How to Braid Leather Horse Reins

Braided leather horse reins consist of at least three strips of leather but can be made from up to 12 strips. Braiding multiple strips of leather together creates a stronger, heavier rein that will withstand heavy use. The increased weight of the rein will have more effect on the bit, allowing the rider to have better control without having to make harsh pulls on the reins. Braided leather reins also give a more decorative feel to your horse tack compared to a single-strip rein.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber mat
  • Leather strip, 2 inches by 60 inches
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Utility knife
  • Clamp
  • 2 eye snaps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a rubber mat on a flat surface. Place a 2-inch wide by 60-inch long leather strip on top of the mat. Use a ruler and pencil to draw two lines down the length of the leather strip, 1/3 of the way from each side of the strip.

    • 2

      Cut along the pencil lines with a utility knife to create three strips of leather equal in width. Stop cutting 1 inch from one end of the leather so that the three strips remain joined at that end.

    • 3

      Use a clamp to attach the joined end of the leather strip to the surface of a table. Thread the loose end of the center strip through the eye portion of an eye snap. Slide the eye snap up the length of the leather strip until it is at the top, touching the joined end.

    • 4

      Begin braiding the three loose strips together by crossing the right-most strip over the center strip. The right strip is now the center strip and the center strip is now the right strip. Cross the left-most strip over the center strip so that the left strip is now the center strip and the center strip is now the left strip. Pull the strips tight after each plait to ensure a tight braid.

    • 5

      Continue to braid down the entire length of the leather by first crossing the right strip over the center strip and then crossing the left strip over the center strip. Stop braiding when 3 to 4 inches of loose leather strips are left.

    • 6

      Thread the end of the center loose leather strip through the eye portion of a second eye snap. Braid the remainder of the loose strips together past the eye snap. Tie the ends of the braided leather strips together in an overhand knot by forming a loop and tucking the ends through the loop. Pull on the ends to tighten the knot and finish the reins.