The Best Reins for Horse Riding: Choosing the Right Reins | Help & Advice | Houghton Country

Reins are an extension of the rider’s arm, allowing a clear line of communication from the rider’s hands to the horse’s mouth. They attach from the horse’s bit, which is also attached to his bridle, over the horse’s neck and buckle together near the wither, where it is easy for the rider to hold them. The aids that come through the reins are a significant part of what allows the rider to control the horse – slowing him down, collecting him, turning him, or fine-tuning his frame to develop strength and suppleness, with additional aids coming from the rider’s legs, upper body position and, of course, the seat.

In English riding, horse reins are usually made at least partly of leather, which is a supple yet robust material, providing comfort for the rider as well as durability and safety. Reins that are worn, stretched or damaged jeopardise safety, and so it is important to take good care of your reins, check them over before every ride, and replace them when necessary.

There are many variations of types of reins available, from the length or width of them to the design. This guide breaks down different types of reins for horse riding that are most commonly seen currently, and the reasons why you might choose to ride in them.

Rubber reins are one of the most commonly chosen designs, providing grip with their pimple texture even in wet conditions. Riders across all disciplines choose rubber reins, but since their main selling point is their grip, they are especially popular with event riders often riding in testing conditions or a very sweaty horse. They are often chosen by leisure riders doing a bit of everything, and those hacking frequently in case they get caught in the rain! Rubber coated reins with a nylon insert are a little more supple and many riders prefer the malleability of these reins between their fingers, while other rubber reins are a little more rigid.

Half lined reins have rubber on one side and plain leather on the other, providing some grip but maintaining a traditional aesthetic.

Plain leather reins help create a traditional look, and so are often chosen by those partaking in showing or dressage. They do not provide as much grip as other designs if they get wet, but riding in gloves will help. They tend to be very supple if they are oiled regularly. Plaited reins or laced reins are chosen by some riders for additional grip, or smooth designs are available.

Continental reins are made of cotton webbing and have leather or rubber stoppers at intervals throughout the length of the reins, so the rider can hold the reins at one of or between these intervals. These stoppers not only prevent the reins from slipping through the fingers but also help to ensure the hands are carried as a pair and the reins are the same length in each hand, helping to create an even contact for the horse to work into. It is best to wear gloves when riding using these reins, as the stoppers can cause sores if the horse was to pull the reins through the rider’s hands.

What types of reins are good for beginner riders?

Novice riders may struggle with keeping their reins the same length and find that the horse easily pulls the reins through their fingers if they pull their head down, and so will want to choose to ride in reins that are most likely to help them with this. A rider will most likely be able to stop their reins from gradually getting too long if they are riding with continental reins, which are often chosen for children on ponies who pull their heads down. Rubber reins are a very versatile choice and will also provide some grip, and they are chosen by riders at all levels, including those just learning as well as professionals.

What thickness of reins should I choose?

Thicker and thinner reins are available to suit different sizes hands and individual preferences. 1/2 inch reins are amongst the thinnest available, and would be chosen for small hands or for use on a fine pony. This width would also commonly be chosen when the rider is riding with two sets of reins, for example with a set of doubles, with a pelham, or when riding with draw reins. 5/8 inch is the next size up, which is a little thicker. This is the most commonly chosen width for most teenagers and adults. Thicker, 3/4 inch designs are suited to a thicker-set horse, or may be preferred by a rider of a very strong horse as they will feel they have more rein to hold on to.

What length reins do I need?

Reins tend to come in 48” to 60” lengths, or Pony, Cob & Full, and the length you choose depends on the size of your horse and how short or long you will need your reins. Assuming you ride with average-length reins, ponies tend to take 48” reins, while most horses suit a 54” set of reins. Longer lengths are chosen by riders of bigger horses. If the reins are too long, the excess forms a long loop which can end up around the rider’s stirrup or foot, or make it more likely for the horse’s legs to become tangled in the reins if the rider were to fall. If the reins are too short, the rider will be holding the reins at the very end near the buckle, and will not have the option to slip their reins for example over a fence, or lengthen the reins to allow the horse to stretch, for example during the free walk of a dressage test. Some leisure riders may prefer to ride their horse on a longer rein most of the time, never asking for a contact, and those riders may choose a longer length if they are on a big horse.

Most reins are available in black or different shades of brown to match most tack. Some reins designed for children are multi-coloured, allowing the child to keep their hands on one coloured section, which encourages them to keep their reins the same length and even.

Reins are essential if you want to ride your horse, and finding the right pair to suit the size of your hands, the size of your horse, and what helps you to feel most secure while riding can make all the difference to your time in the saddle. Browse our range of reins here, including a set of reins to suit every rider during every discipline. Looking for draw reins, side reins or daisy reins? Browse our range of training aids here.