Reins: ensuring precise and comfortable contact between rider and horse

The reins are an essential part of the tack: they allow the rider to communicate with their horse through direct, flexible and precise contact. Attached to the bit or the bridle, they play a key role in direction, balance and the subtlety of the aids, regardless of the rider's level or the discipline practiced. There are different types of reins: leather, rubber, smooth, braided, web, grip and ultra-grip, with stops, or even with handles, each offering a different feel in the hand and a more or less pronounced level of grip.

They are particularly important for:
• riders seeking stable and fluid contact,
• the horse's training in various disciplines,
• safety outdoors thanks to a good hold in hand.

What are reins used for?

Transmitting aids clearly and softly

The reins allow for communication with the horse to guide, slow down, adjust balance or ask for a softer contact. A good pair of reins offers regular contact, without jerks, and allows the rider to act with finesse.

Ensuring a reliable hold in all situations

Depending on the material, the reins offer a different grip: non-slip rubber, flexible leather, light braided. This grip ensures good stability, even in rain, with sweat or outdoors.

Offering comfort to both horse and rider

A suitable model allows for:
• more harmonious communication,
• better precision of actions,
• less tension in the horse's mouth,
• a more pleasant hold in the rider's hand.

The main types of reins

Leather reins

The most traditional.
Advantages:
• soft and pleasant feel,
• elegant aesthetic,
• durable,
• ideal for dressage and flatwork.

Rubber reins (grip)

The most used for daily work.
Benefits:
• excellent grip even when wet,
• strong grip thanks to nubs,
• resistant and easy to maintain,
• perfect for jumping, outdoor riding or young horses.

Braided reins

Reins made of braided leather or braided synthetic material.
Advantages:
• very good flexibility,
• natural grip due to braiding,
• comfortable feel and pleasant thickness in hand,
• suitable for riders looking for a flexible yet secure rein.

Web reins

Made of flat webbing (polyester, cotton or blend).
Characteristics:
• lightweight,
• very easy to maintain,
• flexible,
• offer a direct feel in the hand,
• lighter grip than rubber models.
Particularly suitable for outdoor riding, hacking, or riders looking for simple contact.

Reins with stops (or bumpers)

Leather or rubber reins with small stops placed at regular intervals.
Advantages:
• help the rider maintain a fixed length,
• facilitate hand symmetry,
• very useful for learning to stabilize contact,
• popular in dressage and show jumping.
Ideal for riders in training or those who want a constant tactile reference.

Colored educational reins (visual markers)

Reins designed for learning, with colored zones allowing the rider to instantly see where to place their hands.
Benefits:
• clear visual markers for children, beginners, riding schools,
• help correct hand position,
• promote rapid and educational progress.
Very common in riding schools and for young riders.

Reins with handles

Reins featuring fixed handles at the end of the reins or multiple handles positioned at regular intervals.

Reins with multiple handles along the reins
• regular markers for hand position,
• easier learning,
• improved stability and symmetry.

Terminal handle (at the end of the rein)
• great security,
• firm grip,
• prevents complete loss of the reins.

Biothane reins

Technical synthetic material, very water resistant and durable.
Advantages:
• waterproof,
• very durable,
• do not stretch,
• minimal maintenance,
• consistent grip depending on surface treatment.
They are popular for outdoor riding, endurance, hacking, and by those who want robust and easy-to-clean equipment.

Compatibility

Reins are universal equipment: they attach to all bits and all classic bridles, whether a simple snaffle, an anatomical bridle, a simple bit or a double bit.

They are compatible with:
• classic and anatomical snaffles,
• simple bits (eggbutt, full cheek, D-ring, loose ring…),
• curb bits (Pelham, Pessoa, etc.),
• double bridles (with two pairs of reins),
• any system using a standard ring or attachment.

Only the width or type of attachment may vary depending on the models:
• hook attachments,
• leather buckles,
• classic stainless steel buckles.

In practice: all reins are suitable for all bridles, except for very specific cases (double bridle reins always used in pairs, western reins not concerned here).

How to choose your reins?

• For maximum grip / intensive work → rubber or bi-material reins with grip
• For dressage and finesse → smooth or thin leather reins
• For outdoor riding → biothane or non-slip rubber reins
• For sensitive horses / light riders → soft leather or light reins without nubs
• For beginners → colored educational reins
• For riders who struggle to maintain a stable hand position → reins with handles

Width also plays a role:
• thin = more direct feel,
• wide = more comfort in hand.

How to care for your reins?

1. Wipe after each session to remove sweat and dust.
2. Nourish leather regularly (for leather models).
3. Check for wear on rubber nubs.
4. Inspect the buckles to prevent any breakage.

Proper maintenance ensures longevity, safety, and comfort.