The Best Reins for Dressage
Reins can make a huge difference in your control, confidence and connection with your horse. That’s why ensuring you get it right is essential.
Based on customer reviews and expert feedback, here are five of the best rubber reins available at Henry James Saddlery suited for Dressage.
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 recommend for Dressage.
1. Biothane Bio-Grip Rubber Reins
These reins offer a slightly thinner, more flexible grip, providing a secure yet comfortable hold. With and without stoppers would both be a good fit for dressage depending on preference.
- Price: £80.00
- Grip: 7/10
- Flexibility: 10/10
- Softness: 5/10
Why riders love them:
Jo says, “So soft and flexible with great grip! Highly recommend these reins! Love them - thank you!”
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
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Softness: 7/10
Why riders love them:
Stephanie says, “These reins are just the best. Great grip, my fingers don’t slip at all. Would really recommend.”
3. Calfskin Super-Grip 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
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Softness: 9/10
Why riders love them:
Julie says, “Brilliant, I no longer have to worry about my reins slipping through my hands in wet weather. These reins have made a huge difference.”
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 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. Small Pimple Hybrid Rubber Reins
These reins feature small rubber pimples with hand stitched leather stoppers every 5cm. Very grippy with a slightly more coarse feel. Great for riders who prefer wearing gloves.
- Price: £70.00
- Grip: 9/10
- Flexibility: 8/10
- Softness: 8/10
Meg says, “I recently ordered these reins in extra long size for my THB 16.2 mare with a long neck. These reins are so well made and so comfortable to use. Compared to other similar reins the quality of these reins comes out tops. I won’t purchase any other brand again.”
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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