How to Make Braided Leather Reins

Braided reins have been popular with riders for over a century. The weight of the braids helps to balance the bit, so the horse can really feel the rider's signals. As a result, the rider doesn't have to jerk the reins. By making your own braided reins, you can choose the length, weight and color that suits your horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather strips
  • Utility knife
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Rubber Mat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the length of the reins. Standard rein length is 54 inches, but if the horse's neck is long, you may prefer to make it 60 inches.

    • 2

      Lay a strip of leather, about 2 inches wide and at least 6 feet long, on a flat surface. Put a rubber mat underneath to make cutting easier. First cut the length of the leather, so it equals the desired length of the reins. If you have chosen a rein length of 54 inches, cut one 54-inch strip.

    • 3

      Use a pencil to mark two lines, each about 1/3 the width from each edge. Start 1 inch from the top of the strip and place a yardstick on your line. Use your utility knife to cut down one line until you are 1 inch from the bottom, using the yardstick to keep the cut straight. Repeat with the second line.

    • 4

      Braid the three strands just like you would braid hair. Holding the top portion tight, pull the third strand over the middle one, then the first strand over the third one. Next pull the middle strand over the first one. Repeat. Untangle the bottom portion by sliding it through the open slits after each step.

    • 5

      Pull the braided part straight as you work, and pull down hard on the bottom. The bottom will untangle itself. When the piece is finished, not only will it look good but the braid will make the leather rein much stronger.