13 best reins

Reins are an essential component of horse riding equipment used in equestrian sports and activities. They are a crucial part of a bridle, which is the headgear worn by a horse. Reins are responsible for controlling and communicating with the horse while riding. Here's what you need to know about reins and their significance in equestrian sports:

  1. Types of Reins: There are several types of reins available, including:

    • Split Reins: These are two separate reins, one for each hand. They are commonly used in Western riding.
    • Single Rein: Single reins are typical in English riding and are held in both hands as a single unit.
    • Draw Reins: These are used for training purposes to encourage the horse to lower its head and neck.
    • Laced Reins: These have a textured or laced surface, providing a better grip for the rider.
    • Webbed Reins: Made from webbing material, these are lightweight and easy to clean.
  2. Materials: Reins can be made from various materials, including leather, synthetic materials, rubber, and even rope.Leather reins are popular for their durability and classic appearance.

  3. Length: The length of reins can vary based on riding discipline and personal preference. They can range from 48 to 60 inches for English reins and longer for Western reins.

  4. Attachment to Bit: Reins are attached to the bit (the mouthpiece in the horse's mouth) via rein loops or snaps. Proper attachment is crucial for effective communication between rider and horse.

  5. Communication: Reins play a vital role in communicating with the horse. Through gentle pressure and release, riders can give cues to the horse for actions such as stopping, turning, and slowing down.

  6. Styles: The way a rider holds and uses the reins can vary depending on the riding style. For instance, in Western riding, riders often hold the reins with a loose or "western" hand, while English riders typically use a "contact" with the horse's mouth.

  7. Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of reins are essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. Leather reins should be cleaned and conditioned regularly, while synthetic reins can be easily wiped clean.

  8. Safety: Riders must maintain proper control of the reins to ensure their safety and the horse's well-being. Losing control of the reins can lead to accidents and injuries.

In summary, reins are a fundamental component of equestrian gear used for controlling and communicating with horses during various riding disciplines. They come in various types, materials, and styles to cater to different riding preferences and needs. Proper use and maintenance of reins are crucial for both rider and horse safety in equestrian sports.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best reins on the market
  

Rein Check Llc Dba Booma Rein Booma Rein Keeper

Booma Rein

Based on 207 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With BOOMA, your reins will always come back

All riders fear losing the reins. Whether you drop them or they get yanked from you, if you lose the reins you lose control of your horse. Even worse, if you lose the reins, they may get tangled in your horse’s legs.

That’s why we created BOOMA, the flexible rein keeper. BOOMA tethers your reins to the pommel/swell on the saddle, so no matter what, they’re always within reach. And, BOOMA can’t slip over the head of the horse.

BOOMA is made of a flexible material, so the horse can lower its head to eat or drink without restriction.

And, BOOMA is adjustable, so it will fit any horse and accommodate any rider.

Made of a durable and waterproof polypropylene, BOOMA attaches with a carabiner O-ring (included) for trail riding, training or everyday riding or directly to the rein for calf roping, barrel racing and other high-intensity riding.

No matter who you are or what type of riding you do, a BOOMA Rein keeper will make your ride safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, and you’ll always have peace of mind knowing you can’t lose the reins!

The BOOMA “rein” itself is made of a durable, waterproof and flexible (bungee-like) premium polypropylene material.

BOOMA Rein is fully adjustable to fit any horse and any style of riding

For more aggressive riding, snap BOOMA directly to your regular reins

For recreational riding, attach BOOMA to your reins using our handy, easy-to-attach polished steel carabiner O-ring (included)

The Booma Rein with the Carabiner is the most popular style for quick and easy application. Great for trail riding, lessons and Therapy. This Rein also serves as the performance rein by removing the Carabiner and directly snapping the Booma Rein to the riding rein.

  • Fully adjustable to fit any horse and any style of riding
  • For more aggressive riding snap BOOMA directly to your regular reins
  • For recreational riding attach BOOMA to your reins using the steel carabiner O ring included
  • Made of durable waterproof and flexible bungee like premium polypropylene material
  • Comes in several colors

User questions & answers

Question: How long is the strap
Answer: I havent tried but I would imagine if you cant you could get a hot nail or something and melt the hole open...
Question: Does it stretch
Answer: These should not be too long for barrel racing
Question: Can you attach them to your english saddle
Answer: Measures 5/8" x 8'
Question: How does this fit a dressage saddle? Anyone have photos
Answer: When I ordered this, it did not come with reins. It is a beautiful set though. I have gotten many compliments on it and people asking where I got it from. Well made and holds up well to being used many times.

Martin Saddlery Latigo Leather Roping Reins

Martin Saddlery

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Simple but durable the Martin Saddlery Latigo Leather Roping Rein is great for schooling or for show. Made of latigo leather these reins are single piece with loop and hook buckles at the end so you can add your own snap or buckle to make transferring these reins extremely simple. In 1998 Dale Martin Saddlery also came on board to provide high quality hand-crafted saddles and leather tack. Now known simply as Martin Saddlery the company prides itself on the intricate detail and craftsmanship employed to create beautiful durable products. The leather goods produced by Martin Saddlery utilize the finest raw materials ensuring endurance and dependability without sacrificing fashion or tradition. Martin Saddlery is known for working with trusted respected professionals and trainers to help make a difference in their horses.

  • Martin Saddlery
  • Basic Roping Rein
  • Latigo Leather
  • Stainless Steel Scissor Snap
  • Stainless Steel Buckles

User questions & answers

Question: How long are these reins
Answer: 1 inch
Question: Do the reins come with the snaps at the end
Answer: 3'
Question: Can you remove the buckles if needed? it appears they are adjustable and the buckle and clips can come completely off, need to confirm this is true
Answer: Yes, it stretches when pulled, but then goes back to it is original shape. It is a very heavy elastic.

Weaver Leather Poly Roper Reins

Weaver Leather

Based on 520 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With a soft, broken-in feel, these poly roper reins feature assorted harness leather water loops attached with leather laces and scissor snaps

  • Soft poly rope design
  • Feature water loops with leather laces
  • Nickel plated scissor snaps

User questions & answers

Question: Is this long enough for quarter horse
Answer: No, since it is for horses, it does not have a handle. I would check out Perri's dog leashes, as they all have handles!
Question: If you untie the straps, pull them out to remove the leather & buckle, are you getting the ties back in to reassemble? Need to add a 12" pvc (bridge
Answer: Yes, it is a dark brown.
Question: Are these to long to use for barrel racing
Answer: Hello, the chain is brass plated.
Question: How long are these
Answer: The chain is 30"

Tough-1 Pro Cotton Roping Rein Royal Blue

Tough-1

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tough-1 Pro Cotton Roping Reins The Tough-1 Pro Cotton Roping Reins are perfect for ever day riding, roping, and contesting. Made from natural, soft braided cotton, the Pro Cotton Roping Reins are 7 feet long and have scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement. Features: Perfect for every day riding, roping, contesting Made from natural, soft braided cotton 7 feet long Scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement Item Specifications: Length: 7 feet Material: Cotton Model Number: 54-905

  • Perfect for every day riding, roping, contesting
  • Made from natural, soft braided cotton
  • 7 feetlong
  • Scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement

User questions & answers

Question: What color is the end nylon reinforcement? Brown or black
Answer: I havent tried but I would imagine if you cant you could get a hot nail or something and melt the hole open...
Question: How thick is the chord
Answer: These should not be too long for barrel racing
Question: Are these to long to barrel race with
Answer: Measures 5/8" x 8'

CHALLENGER Western Nylon Braided Roping Knotted Barrel Reins Teal Brown 60764

Challenger Horsewear

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This reins can easily be attached to the bit with conway buckles.

  • 7-8 Feet
  • Teal (Sea Green) Brown
  • This reins can easily be attached to the bit with conway buckles.
  • Top Quality Competition reins.
  • Great for barrel racing, reining, trail riding or everyday. Riding!

User questions & answers

Question: Why does it say seven to eight feet? How long are they
Answer: yes they are long enough for a quarter horse

Cashel Company 8 Foot Adjustable Reins w/Rawhide Trim Chocolate 8FT

Cashel

Based on 116 reviews Check latest price

Product description

LeatherRawhide TrimAdjustable8 footSA-RA8 These rope reins are super handy because you can adjust the length from both sides. No more adjusting and having a longer tail on one side, which causes the weight of your reins to be off.

  • Leather
  • Rawhide Trim
  • Adjustable
  • 8 foot
  • SA RA8

User questions & answers

Question: Do the reins have grips/rubber, or just plain smooth leather
Answer: They are long like normal reigns so if you trail ride. You can lengthen them so you wont be in their face, but if you get to a show for barrel race, you can shorten them the length you need. The color is perfect. And the knots are great! You'll love them ^_^
Question: What color are the buckles? I can’t tell from the picture
Answer: The reinforcements are BROWN. Thank you, twentyhoovestack
Question: Can you remove the buckles easily
Answer: It is pretty thick, it is flat, not rounded
Question: Are these pretty soft or are they hard leather
Answer: They were a little wide in the hand as well as too long for me personally

Weaver Leather Braided Nylon Barrel Rein, Hurricane

Weaver Leather

Based on 182 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These 1" flat end braided nylon barrel reins feature easy grip knots. Nickel plated over zinc die cast conway buckle bit ends. Measure 1/2" x 8' (1" wide 32" back from bit ends).

  • 1" flat end braided nylon barrel reins
  • Feature easy grip knots for a secure feel
  • Nickel plated conway buckle bit ends
  • Measure 1/2" x 8' (1" wide 32" back from bit ends)

User questions & answers

Question: How long are these reins? Will they work for a 17 hands thoroughbred
Answer: Silver in color
Question: How much do they weigh? i'm looking for backup reins to carry in my horn bag ice. need to keep it light weight. would these work
Answer: Nope it how u adjust to fit your horse!
Question: Are these reins adjustable
Answer: They are beautiful, I bought more than one after seeing them. I always use a conditioner on my leather but they were great on arrival.

Shenandoah Leather Split Reins

J. Mitton and Associates Inc.

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Shenandoah Leather Split Reins This Shenandoah split rein is a soft supple 3/4 bridle leather rein. This 7 foot long rein comes with solid brass snaps. The reins can be used with or with out the snaps.

From the Manufacturer

Shenandoah Leather Split Reins This Shenandoah split rein is a soft supple 3/4 bridle leather rein. This 7 foot long rein comes with solid brass snaps. The reins can be used with or with out the snaps.

  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Dimensions: 4 L X 21.3 W X 25.8 H (Cm)
  • Item Package Weight: 0.59 Kilograms

User questions & answers

Question: What color is the brown reins
Answer: The rein does not have any grips/rubbers it is just plain.

7-1/2' Roper-Barrel Braided One Piece Brown Leather Reins Rein W/Snap By Hill Leather

HS011Reins-1

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hill Leather 7.5' Hand Braided Brown Leather Barrel Rein. Great for barrel, roping, show, or trail. 7.5' by 1" 100 % Soft Genuine Leather With Durable Double Stitching. By Hill Leather Company. Proudly Made In The USA

  • One Piece Soft Brown Leather Reins
  • Features a nice heavy comfortable braid for your hands and Scissor Snap to use as a lead or tie.
  • Durable 10 oz. 5/32" thick leather
  • Comes with Nickle Scissor Snap
  • 7.5' (L) by 1" (W) By Hill Leather Company

CHALLENGER Roping Knotted Horse Tack Western Barrel Reins Nylon Braided Emerald Green Black 60701

Challenger Horsewear

Based on 80 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Teal Color has a tint of Green.

  • 7-8 ft
  • Emerald Green/Black
  • Teal Color has a tint of Green.
  • This reins can easily be attached to the bit with conway buckles..Top Quality Competition reins.
  • Great for barrel racing, reining, trail riding or everyday. Riding!

User questions & answers

Question: are they ajustable
Answer: I’m not sure exactly how long they are, but they are would fit a 17 HH thoroughbred just fine. They fit my 15.5HH quarter horse with lots of extra room.
Question: The comments are saying the color is off in the pics. Does anyone have pics of the reins you ordered
Answer: I don’t know their exact weight, but they are very light weight. They are very strong and sturdy as well. Great reins!
Question: How long are they
Answer: Yes the are adjustable. Very easy to do.

Tough 1 Pro Cotton Roping Rein

Tough 1

Based on 82 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tough-1 Pro Cotton Roping Reins The Tough-1 Pro Cotton Roping Reins are perfect for ever day riding, roping, and contesting. Made from natural, soft braided cotton, the Pro Cotton Roping Reins are 7 feet long and have scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement. Features: Perfect for every day riding, roping, contesting Made from natural, soft braided cotton 7 feet long Scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement Item Specifications: Length: 7 feet Material: Cotton Model Number: 54-905

  • Perfect for every day riding, roping, contesting
  • Made from natural, soft braided cotton
  • 7 feetlong
  • Scissor snap ends with nylon reinforcement

User questions & answers

Question: Are these split reins
Answer: Yes on some English saddles there is an O-ring on the front of the saddle that you can attach it to.
Question: are they actually turquoise
Answer: There is a Direct Booma Rein on the Booma Website. Not available on Amazon yet. But yes the original would also work.
Question: How wide are these
Answer: yes they are long enough for a quarter horse

Weaver Leather Working Cowboy Split Rein

Weaver Leather, LLC

Based on 249 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Extra heavy harness leather is dipped in oil, dressed with butter and hand rubbed for the ultimate in performance and a rich golden chestnut color. These split reins feature weighted ends for a substantial feel and water tie ends.

  • Hand rubbed for a great feel
  • Weighted ends for a working tack feel
  • Extra heavy harness leather construction
  • Dressed with butter for the ultimate in performance

User questions & answers

Question: Is the length for each rein, or total of both
Answer: Mine are about 3 1/2 ft long and I love them!
Question: Are these the same the color as the picture or are they lighter
Answer: The reins are a medium brown color. They are pre-oiled and are nice and pliable.

Product features

Designed with your comfort in mind.

From hide to ride, our reins are placed in pairs with the piece directly beside them, ensuring the quality balance and feel you need when riding your horse.

Reins you have to feel to believe.

Designed to last, our hand-buttered reins will arrive feeling like an old friend. The incredible balance, flexibility, and durability of these reins will quickly make them a must-have when riding your horse.

Durable.
Dependable.
Flexible.

Weaver Horizons Flat Roper Rein

WEAVER LEATHER

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Weaver Horizons Flat Roper Rein The Horizons Collection offers great basic tack perfect for everyday riding. Handcrafted from durable, weather resistant harness leather, this rein features a nickel plated scissor snap and nickel plated conway adjustments. A skived center offers a slim and flexible feel. Measures 1/2" x 8'. Features: Handcrafted Durable Weather resistant harness leather Nickel plated scissor snap and conway adjustments

  • Durable, Weather Resistant Harness Leather
  • Nickel Plated Hardware
  • Skived Center Offers a Slim and Flexible Feel
  • Made by Weaver Leather Mt. Hope, Ohio

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a purpose as to why there is one buckle and one scissor snap
Answer: Yes you can make them smaller. If they come with the snaps, it's better than the ones I get at horse.com. I can't remember when I bought these, but the color is still good, too.
Question: Are these weighted reins
Answer: The Color is more of Teal. The camera light shows more blue.

Product features

About Weaver Leather

Founded by Harry A. Weaver in 1973 as the Fryburg Shoe Shop, Weaver Leather grew from humble beginnings into a trusted manufacturer of a wide range of leather and nylon goods.

Today’s Weaver Leather is experiencing continual growth and caters to a variety of U.S. and international customers in the markets it serves including equine, livestock, pet, leather supply, and arborist,. While much has changed through the years, our steadfast commitment to our customers remains our top priority.

Many of our products are handcrafted in Mt. Hope, Ohio and feature the finest materials, skilled American workmanship and finishing touches for years of dependable performance.

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