Laced Reins
Laced reins are leather riding reins with strips of leather laced across the hand-hold section, giving you a more secure, non-slip grip than plain leather while keeping a smart, traditional look that suits the show ring. At Just Horse Riders we stock laced reins from Windsor, Rhinegold, LeMieux, Premier Equine and more, with in-stock prices from £13.23.
In a hurry?
- Want a smart show look with more grip than plain? Laced reins are the classic choice — try the Windsor Laced Reins (from £13.23).
- Riding dressage or schooling and want a soft feel? The Rhinegold Softee Leather Laced Reins (from £27.13) are supple in the hand.
- After a premium show or hunter rein? Look at the LeMieux Leather Laced Reins (from £44.95) or Premier Equine Pietro Laced Reins (from £50.40).
Not sure a laced rein is right for you? Compare all horse riding reins, or your instructor or saddle-fitter can help you match rein type to your discipline and hands.
What are laced reins?
Laced reins are leather reins with thin leather laces threaded through the rein in the area where you hold them. Those raised laces break up the smooth surface so your fingers have something to key into, which helps the reins stay put in your hands when the leather gets wet or your gloves are damp. They keep the clean, elegant lines of a plain leather rein, which is why they remain a popular choice for showing and everyday flatwork.
Why choose laced reins over plain leather?
Plain leather reins look beautiful but can feel slippery in rain or when a horse is sweating. Laced reins add grip without the bulky, rubber-covered look of a schooling rein — a middle ground between smart and secure. They are a traditional, show-friendly option, whereas rubber reins offer the most grip and web reins use fabric with leather grip stops for a lightweight feel.
Which type of rein do I need?
| Rein type | Grip level | Look | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laced reins | Medium — laces add hold | Smart, traditional | Showing, flatwork, everyday riding |
| Plain leather reins | Lower — smooth surface | Classic, minimal | Dressage, in-hand, dry conditions |
| Rubber reins | High — grippy rubber | Sporty, practical | Jumping, cross-country, wet weather |
| Web reins | Medium — grip stops | Lightweight, casual | Hacking, general schooling |
Which are the best laced reins at Just Horse Riders?
Here are some in-stock favourites across a range of budgets:
- Windsor Laced Reins — from £13.23. A budget-friendly starting point for a classic laced look.
- Heritage Lace Reins — from £20.66. English-leather reins with a traditional, show-ready finish.
- Rhinegold Softee Leather Laced Reins — from £27.13. Soft, supple leather that is kind on the hands for schooling and flatwork.
- LeMieux Leather Laced Reins — from £44.95. A premium, well-finished rein for riders wanting a quality upgrade.
- Premier Equine Pietro Laced Reins — from £50.40. Beautifully made Italian-style leather reins.
- LeMieux Hunter Laced Reins with Stitching — from £59.95. Hunter-style laced reins with decorative stitching for the show ring.
Stock and prices change, so check each product page for the latest. If you are unsure which weight or width suits your hands, your riding instructor can help you choose.
How do I look after laced leather reins?
Treat laced reins like any good piece of leather tack. Wipe off mud and sweat after riding, clean them regularly with a glycerine or saddle soap, and condition the leather now and then to keep it supple and stop it drying out. Pay attention to the laced section, as dirt can build up between the laces. Let wet reins dry naturally away from direct heat, never on a radiator, as fierce heat can crack the leather. Always check the leather and stitching for wear before you ride — reins are a safety-critical part of your tack, so replace them if you see cracking, thinning or loose stitching.
Frequently asked questions about laced reins
Are laced reins better than plain reins for grip?
Yes, for most riders laced reins offer more grip than plain leather. The leather laces create a slightly raised, textured surface that helps your fingers hold on, which supports better control when the reins are wet or your gloves are damp. They still look smart, so they are a popular middle ground between plain leather and grippier rubber reins.
Are laced reins allowed in the show ring?
Laced reins are a traditional, show-friendly style and are widely used across showing classes because they combine a neat leather look with practical grip. Rules vary by discipline, society and class, so always check the current rules for your specific class with the relevant showing body or your instructor before you compete.
What reins are best for dressage or schooling?
Many dressage and flatwork riders prefer a soft, supple leather rein for a refined contact. A softer laced rein such as the Rhinegold Softee Leather Laced Reins can suit schooling, while some riders choose smooth plain leather reins for a very clean contact. The right choice depends on your hands and preference, so ask your instructor for guidance.
How much do laced reins cost?
At Just Horse Riders, in-stock laced reins start from around £13.23 for a budget-friendly pair and rise to about £60 for premium show and hunter styles from brands like LeMieux and Premier Equine. Prices vary by leather quality, brand and finish, so check the individual product pages for current pricing.
Which reins give the most grip in wet weather?
Laced reins improve grip over plain leather and cope well with light rain and sweat. If you ride in consistently wet conditions or need maximum hold, such as for jumping or cross-country, rubber reins generally offer the most secure grip. Web reins with leather grip stops are another wet-weather option.
How do I clean laced reins?
Wipe away mud and sweat after each ride, then clean with glycerine or saddle soap and condition the leather periodically to keep it supple. Take care to clean between the laces where dirt collects, and let wet reins dry naturally away from direct heat. Check the leather and stitching regularly and replace reins that show cracking or wear.
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Rein and tack advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Reins are safety-critical — for fit, discipline rules or a horse with strong contact, check with your instructor or a saddle-fitter. Last reviewed 12 July 2026.