What Are the Types of Reins Available?

Reins are an essential part of your horse's bridle, as they're part of what lets you tell a horse what to do and where to go when riding. Several different kinds of rein are available, and each has strengths and weaknesses. Consider your specific needs when choosing which reins to use.

  1. Leather

    • Leather reins come in plain and braided varieties. Plain leather reigns are often thinner and so are more flexible and give you a better feel for your horse when riding. They're often used for dressage. However, they can quite easily slip through your hands if your horse pulls. Braided leather reins give you more grip, but can be more uncomfortable and tend to be thicker to accommodate the braiding.

    Webbing

    • Webbed or webbing reins are made from a synthetic fiber, woven to form reins. They are sometimes known as rope reins. Webbed reins are quite popular as they are cheaper than leather reins, they don't rot or stretch and they are less likely to slip than a set of plain leather reins. However, they are harder to clean than leather and have been known to irritate people's hands.

    Rubber

    • The main body of a set of rubber reins is actually made from leather, but they are coated in a textured, nonslip rubber. Their grip is equal to or better than that of webbed reins and they are easier to clean. The problems with rubber reins are that they're thicker than most plain leather reins, so not as delicate, and the rubber coating can make them quite bulky and hard to handle.

    Split Reins

    • Most reins are held together at the end you hold with a buckle, to keep them in reach if you drop them. Split reigns, however, are not joined together. These kinds of reins are commonly used in western riding, where some riders frequently dismount and tend to ground tie their horses. If such riders used closed reins, their horses' feet might get tangled in them. Split reins aren't a good choice for beginner riders, who might accidentally drop their reins.