How to Soften Stiff Rubber Reins

Reins provide one of the major lines of communication between a horse and rider. Connecting the bit or hackamore to the riders' hands, reins need to be made from a strong but supple material. Leather serves as a common material for reins in both English and Western riding styles. As a natural product, leather reins are often stiff and dry when new or can dry out and stiffen with use. Dirt, water and sweat can deplete oil from leather reins, causing them to dry out and possibly even crack and break. Proper conditioning helps soften and preserve stiff leather reins.

Things You'll Need

  • Sponge
  • Glycerin saddle soap or leather cleaner
  • Small soft cloth
  • Saddle oil or another naturally derived oil product
  • Leather conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean dirty reins using warm water and glycerin saddle soap or a leather cleaner such as Lexol. Soak a sponge in water and then squeeze out as much of the excess water as possible. Rub the sponge on the bar of saddle soap to coat it with a layer of soap.

    • 2

      Coat the leather reins with soap and scrub any especially dirty areas. Wipe off excess soap and repeat the process until the leather is free of dirt and grime. If the leather is caked with sweat or dirt, use more soapy water or soak the reins in warm soapy water. Wipe excess soap and water off of the reins and allow them to dry. If the reins are new they do not need cleaning.

    • 3

      Oil the reins with a leather oil sold in tack stores, such as Lexol or other specially formulated leather oil, or use another naturally derived oil such as Neatsfoot or mink oil. Do not use a petroleum-based oil product as the chemicals in it can deteriorate stitching in the reins.

    • 4

      Use a soft cloth to coat the reins lightly with oil and rub it into the leather. Help the oil soak into the leather by bending the reins before rubbing on the oil. If the reins are new, the oil will darken the leather, so spot test the product before using it. Allow the oil to soak into the leather before applying another coat. Use two to three light coats of oil, but do not over-oil or the leather or it will attract dirt, stretch and possibly be slippery to hold.

    • 5

      Repeat the oil process after several days only if the leather is still dry or "thirsty." Overly-dry leather will lighten considerably when folded, whereas well-conditioned leather will maintain its color when folded. Keep leather reins well-conditioned using occasional light coats of oil or more frequent applications of leather conditioner such as Lexol conditioner.