Plain Leather Reins
Plain reins are the classic flat leather rein used across show, dressage and everyday flatwork. A single smooth strip of leather runs from bit to buckle, giving a clean, traditional look and a direct, uncomplicated contact. The main trade-off is grip in the wet: unlike rubber, web or laced reins, plain leather can become slippery in rain or with sweaty hands, so many riders keep a plain set for the ring and a grippier set for hacking. Just Horse Riders stocks plain leather reins from brands including Shires, Heritage and Collegiate, with widths and finishes to suit ponies through to horses.
Free UK delivery over £50 · Next-day on eligible items before 4pm · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010.
In a hurry?
- Best all-rounder: Shires Aviemore Plain Reins — classic leather with stainless fittings, from £15.30.
- Softer, supple feel: Heritage Plain Reins — £18.09.
- Grippier synthetic option: Collegiate Syntovia+ Plain Flat Reins — easy-care, £26.99.
- Riding in the wet often? Consider rubber reins, web reins or laced reins for extra grip.
What are plain leather reins?
Plain reins are a smooth, flat strip of leather (or synthetic leather) running from the bit to the buckle, with no rubber, webbing or lacing on the surface. They are the traditional choice for showing and dressage because they look clean and give a direct feel down the rein. Fittings are usually hook-stud billets or buckles in stainless steel. Browse the full horse riding reins range to compare styles.
Which plain reins should I choose?
It comes down to feel, care and how much grip you need. Plain leather suits dry-weather ring work; grippier constructions help when reins get wet or slippery. The table below compares the common types.
| Rein type | Grip in the wet | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain (flat leather) | Lower | Showing, dressage, dry flatwork |
| Rubber | High | Jumping, cross-country, wet weather |
| Web | Medium–high | Everyday hacking, schooling |
| Laced | Medium | A traditional look with added grip |
What width of plain rein should I pick?
Widths typically range from around 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch and wider. Narrower reins feel lighter and suit smaller hands, ponies and showing; wider reins give more to hold and can feel more secure for bigger horses or longer rides. If you are unsure, choose the width that matches your existing reins or ask your instructor for a steer based on your hands and discipline.
How do I look after leather reins?
Wipe reins after use, clean with a glycerine or saddle soap, and condition occasionally to keep the leather supple and help prevent cracking. Let them dry naturally, away from direct heat, if they get wet. Check the billets, stitching and stainless fittings regularly for wear — any safety-critical splits or weak points mean it is time to replace the reins.
Plain reins FAQs
Are plain leather reins good for beginners?
Plain reins are simple and widely used, which makes them a straightforward first set. That said, newer riders and anyone schooling in wet weather often find rubber, web or laced reins easier to hold securely. If a beginner is learning outdoors or on a strong horse, ask their instructor whether extra grip would help.
Do plain leather reins get slippery in the rain?
They can. Smooth leather offers less grip than rubber or webbing, so plain reins may become slippery in rain or with sweaty, gloved hands. Many riders keep a plain set for dry ring work and showing, and a grippier set for hacking and cross-country. Riding gloves also help maintain contact in the wet.
What is the difference between plain reins and laced or rubber reins?
All three attach the bit to your hands, but the surface differs. Plain reins are smooth flat leather for a clean, traditional look. Laced reins add leather lacing for extra grip, and rubber reins have a rubber-covered inner face for the most grip in wet or fast work. Choose by discipline and how much grip you need.
How do I keep leather reins supple?
Clean the leather with saddle soap or glycerine, then condition occasionally with a leather balm or oil to keep it soft and help prevent cracking. Dry wet reins naturally, away from radiators. Regularly check the stitching, billets and buckles, and replace any rein that shows safety-critical wear.
How much do plain reins cost?
At Just Horse Riders, plain reins currently start from around £15.30 for classic leather sets such as the Shires Aviemore, with softer or synthetic options a little higher. Prices vary by brand, width and leather quality. Check each product page for current pricing and availability.
Advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Fit, contact and safety-critical wear depend on your horse and discipline — if in doubt, check with your instructor or a qualified saddle fitter before use.
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 by the Just Horse Riders team.