5 of the Best Rubber Reins for Cross Country and Eventing

5 of the Best Rubber Reins for Cross Country and Eventing

Cross country and eventing demand reliable, grippy reins that hold up in all weather conditions. The right pair can make a huge difference in your control, confidence and connection with your horse.

Based on customer reviews and expert feedback, here are five of the best rubber reins available at Henry James Saddlery.

Why the Right Reins Matter

Reins act as a communication channel between horse and rider through subtle hand movements, ensuring your reins allow for effective cues and proper control is imperative for horse and rider safety. 

With that in mind, here are the reins we reccomend for Cross Country and Eventing!

 

1. Bio Grip Rubber Reins with Leather Stoppers

These reins offer a slightly thicker grip, providing a secure yet comfortable hold.

  • Price: £70.00
  • Grip: 8/10
  • Flexibility: 6/10
  • Softness: 5/10

Why riders love them:
Elizabeth Connor says, " I've just bought my second pair of these reins, and will be buying more for my other horses. Beautifully well crafted, robust and the perfect width. Excellent grip - the only reins I have found where I can keep a consistent contact due to my way too light, 'butter fingers' hands, but they are not chunky or cumbersome, you can slip the reins when needed - they are just right. Ideal for schooling my young horses, and ideal for XC when extra grip is required.”

 

2. V-Grip Rubber Reins

These reins are great for all-weather use, especially if you prefer a more classic design - they offer grip, flexibility and style.

  • Price: £70.00
  • Grip: 8/10
  • Flexibility: 7/10
  • Softness: 7/10

Why riders love them:
Ellie Savory says, "I purchased the V-grip rubber reins after riding out a livery horse for his owner and finding them extremely comfortable in my slowly aging hands. I suffer from dupytrens contraction and have a weakening ability to keep a good grip, often finding reins slipping in my fingers. These reins are perfect for me, they’re not too wide or chunky, or too narrow, they’re reasonably soft and very comfortable in my hands and have sufficient grip that they don’t slip. I’m delighted with them! The leather is also of excellent quality and I was immediately able to attach them to my bridle without any struggle with the billets. An excellent excellent product; I’ll be back for further pairs for my other horses.”

 

3. Xtreme Eventer Hybrid Rubber Reins with Leather Stoppers

Secure grip with flexibility, perfect for fast work - gives a spongey/springy feel (for loss of a more scientific description). 

  • Price: £70.00
  • Grip: 10/10
  • Flexibility: 9/10
  • Softness: 9/10

Why riders love them:
Beth Rapson says, "I have purchased several reins but always find that when the horse gets sweaty or it is raining they have always slipped. But I can safely say with this weather they have been trialled and I am super happy! Will be purchasing another set for my other boy! Thank you so much.”

 

4. Impression Grip Rubber Reins

The Impression Grip reins are one of our most popular reins, stepping away from a more classic design, the Impression Grip offer 'thumb prints' to embed your thumbs in which act almost as a replacement for stoppers. 

  • Price: £70.00
  • Grip: 9/10
  • Flexibility: 10/10
  • Softness: 10/10

Why riders love them:
Keelari Mayzy says, "These reins exceeded my expectations. The leather quality is excellent and the craftsmanship is top notch. Great value! The rubber thump grips are just enough to help secure your hand placement without being bulky or uncomfortable."

 

5. Smooth Eventer Hybrid Rubber Reins with Leather Stoppers 

The Smooth Eventer rubber reins are smooth and soft versatile rein, with stoppers to help with grip. 

  • Price: £70.00
  • Grip: 7/10
  • Flexibility: 8/10
  • Softness: 7/10

Why riders love them:
Zana Trofimuskina says, "Absolutely love the reins, they really help with keeping an even contact and feel nice in the hand. I only have small hands and these are the perfect size and weight."

Choosing the Right Reins Length

Reins come in different lengths, and for cross country, many riders prefer slightly shorter reins. Shorter reins help maintain a steady contact without excessive slack as you don't want to be flying around a cross country course and risk excess rein getting caught.

We offer reins in Pony (50''), Cob (54''), Full (56'') and XF (60''). 



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