Romal reins Essentially the same type of bit is used with romal reins as with split reins, since you would normally use this style on a senior (older) horse. The difference between split and romal reins is that romal reins are 'closed'; that is to say, they are not two, unattached, separate reins as you will see in the pictures which follow. The romal is actually defined as an extension of braided material attached to closed reins.

The reins are the two pieces at the top of the photo. The end on the right side would attach to each shank of the bit. The reins are joined /closed at the top of the photo. The romal, which is attached to the reins at the top of the photo, ends in a 'popper'. This is normally a flat piece of leather as in the picture. It gives that little extra bit of weight so that the romal hangs nicely from the rider's hand.