Reins, Reins Reins

Ask Angus what is his favourite product is to make and he'd probably say, leather reins. He is passionate about creating reins that feel good in the hand, with just the right amount of weight, and varied depending on who is using them and what for.

If you buy a pair of leather reins from Angus Barrett Saddlery, you may receive a phone call from one of our Customer Service team (or Angus himself) asking what kind of weight you like. That's because we believe in reins being a very personal thing. Each rein we make is unique so that we have an option for everyone.

In terms of the process of making leather reins, Angus takes the time to personally hand-select every hide. From there the reins are cut and then he pairs and drafts each set according to the weight and feel of the individual straps.

We then edge the reins to take away any rough edges and skive them so that the weight is where you want it in the ends, but not necessarily heavy the whole way along where the reins are in your hands.

What Makes Our French Leather Reins So Special?

Our French Leather Reins are made from a first-grade leather that we source from a tannery in France. These reins are next level. The leather is buttery soft, yet incredibly strong and grippy. What makes these reins so special is first the leather type, secondly the way we make them with a triple fold and a twin stitch securing the fold, and thirdly the incorporation of a weighted piece of harness leather that is inserted into the tail of the reins to give them an ever so important weight at the end. The buckle and the skirting leather turn back then add weight to the bit end of the rein (our Station Reins have the same feature).

All our leather reins are finished with our unique, all-natural oil and wax blend. After this oil bath, the reins are left to hang and the oil blend penetrates deep into the core, where it sits patiently until the rider and horse put the reins to work. The reins feel amazing when you pick them up off the rack, but it's not until you get some horse sweat, mud and work into our reins that they really come to life.

If Angus was to give one piece of advice when purchasing any of our leather reins, it would be to not oil them, just use them. He would prefer to see you put them in the trough than put more oil on them. The oiling has been done for you and by using the reins and manipulating the leather while riding, the oil in the core will come to the surface and keep the reins supple and protected.

If you don't use your reins for some time, or if you would simply like to add a bit more softness to the outside of the reins, you can apply a waxy leather dressing to the exterior surface of the leather. But please, no more oil.

The detailed processes, from the hide selection through to the oil bath, on all of our reins, are what contribute to the fact that the more you use them, the better they get.

For those of you who prefer a cotton or rope rein, we have both a Soft Cotton Rein and a Yachting Rope Rein. The cotton and the rope are both made in Australia to Angus' specifications.

If you really appreciate good quality leather reins, we feel sure you will enjoy our range. And please, if we can help you select a pair of reins to suit your personal preferences, please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service team on 0408 980 896.