Rein options in adult eq...

[Ibex]

I’ve never been a laced rein fan, and with one hand compromised they’re miserable for me to ride in.

i know rubber reins are out, but are other all leather options acceptable? The rules just say “all leather”.

And and would you consider calfskin reins to be “all leather”…? The exterior is leather, but they have a nylon core…

[CourtneyANYC]

They make rubber lined laced reins now. They only have rubber on the inside so it can’t be seen. I guess if rules say all leather they would be illegal but I’m sure that’s not stopped anyone from using them.

[findeight]

Check the rules, USEF.org. It’s free.

Rubber laced or leather lined would really be cheating if it says all leather and it is EQ where more grip might be an advantage. However if it’s just an unrated local, there really are not any enforceable rules at many, up to the judge-and your personal ethic.

But there are other options that are available. You can find braided reins that are quite a bit softer, you could go to a narrower laced rein or get some plain old leather reins

[vxf111]

How do you feel about plaited reins? Those are a little old skool but not illegal if they’re 100% leather.

[DoubleTwistedWire]

@findeight;7875456

Check the rules, USEF.org. It’s free.

Yes, please do, because I’m looking at EQ109 (“Appointments”) in the 2015 rule book, and it says nothing about reins needing to be all leather, or that ANY of your tack needs to be leather.

This is what EQ109 says:

1. Personal. Exhibitors and judges should bear in mind that at all times entries are
   being judged on ability rather than on personal attire. Riders should wear coats of any
   tweed or Melton for hunting (conservative wash jackets in season), breeches or jodphurs
   and boots. Conservative colored protective headgear with no additional adornments
   in accordance with GR801 is mandatory. While competing in a jumping class,
   if a rider’s chin strap becomes unfastened, the rider may stop, re-fasten the chin strap
   and continue his/her round without penalty or elimination. A judge may, but is not
   required, to stop a rider and ask them to refasten a chin strap which has become unfastened,
   again without penalty to the rider. Spurs, crops or bats are optional. Judges
   may penalize contestants who do not conform. When management permits Hunter
   or Hunter Seat Equitation riders to ride without jackets, riders must wear traditional,
   short, or long-sleeved riding shirts with chokers or ties. Polo shirts and chaps are not
   permitted except in unjudged warm-up classes. Management or Judge may eliminate
   an exhibitor who is inappropriately attired.
2. Tack. Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands,
   are recommended. Two-ring bits, three-ring bits and gags are not considered conventional
   equipment for hunter seat equitation classes. A judge at his own discretion can
   penalize a horse with nonconventional types of bits or nose bands. Boots and conservative
   colored bandages are permitted. Type of saddle is optional. Martingales are
   permitted in classes over obstacles and in the jumping phase of classes requiring both jumping and flat work. Changing of bits between phases is permissible.
3. No mounted exhibitor may wear or carry an electronic communication device (i.e.,
   cellular telephone, pager, walkie talkie, etc.) while in the competition ring. The penalty
   for wearing or carrying a forbidden device if observed by the judge may be elimination
   from the class during which the device was worn or carried. Exception: A handicapped
   participant may use electronic devices if, prior to the class, he/she presents
   to the USEF Steward written justification from treating personnel setting forth the
   necessity of the equipment.
4. A rider will be eliminated for competing with a tail wrap.
5. The use of stirrups that have entirely black branches is not permitted in any Equitation
   class. The use of stirrups which have entirely black branches will automatically
   result in elimination.

[hoopoe]

I never really liked double laced reins but single lace reins suited my arthritic hands nicely.

I also liked a slightly narrower rein.

[vxf111]

OP is canadian

[Ibex]

^^ what she said

OUR rules:

ARTICLE G1005 TACK AND EQUIPMENT1. Only regular cavessons with snaffles, pelhams, double bridles or
kimberwicks are permissible. Pelham converters allowed only in Junior “B”
and “C” classes. Reins must be made entirely of leather. Spurs of the
unrowelled type, whip optional. No whip may exceed 75 cm (30") in length.

Unfortunately I read this as calfskin wrapped reins are out too since they have a nylon core

Hoopoe - I’m off to look up single laced narrow reins! I’ve only ridden in the really smooth, but pretty, braided ones. I just need something with a bit more grip than that though…

[Ibex]

[QUOTE=hoopoe;7875578]
I never really liked double laced reins but single lace reins suited my arthritic hands nicely.

I also liked a slightly narrower rein.[/QUOTE]

Questions:
Do you mean these:
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/product/LACEREIN/ADTSLR.htm

or these?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/circuit-raised-laced-reins/p/X1-030081/

[vxf111]

Try plaited, you might really like those. ADT makes single lace reins but I don’t love the feel of those personally.

[Ibex]

[QUOTE=vxf111;7875479]
How do you feel about plaited reins? Those are a little old skool but not illegal if they’re 100% leather.[/QUOTE]

Like these?
http://cdn03.sstack.com/resources/sstack/images/products/processed/14667.a.zoom.JPG

They look slippery to me…

[gumshoe]

If the rules say “Reins must be made entirely of leather” then as long as they are entirely leather, you’re good. Nylon lined are not made “entirely of leather”. Rubber, no matter where it is (whether it can be seen or not) is a no.

It depends on what level you plan to show. If you’re doing bronze, silver, or gold rated shows, the rules are the rules. If you are showing something else, it’s up to that show to determine what is or is not okay.

[vxf111]

[QUOTE=Ibex;7875874]
Like these?
http://cdn03.sstack.com/resources/sstack/images/products/processed/14667.a.zoom.JPG

They look slippery to me… :([/QUOTE]

I actually find them supple and grippy once broken in. They get really supple and ropy which I like.

[jn4jenny]

I’ve never ridden in an Eq class, so someone like vxf111 will have to comment on suitability for the Eq…but I wonder if the Arc de Triomphe Single Laced Reins would work better for your hands than a traditional laced rein. I won’t even try to explain how they’re different. The picture tells the tale.
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/product/LACEREIN/ADTSLR.htm
http://shop.adttack.com/p/arc-de-triomphe�-single-laced-reins

(Alas, VTO has marked them “Available for order,” so they’re probably excluded from VTO’s Black Friday sale. But if in doubt, you could call and ask ahead of time.)

FWIW, I’ve ridden several of my trainer’s horses in the plaited-style reins that vxf111 linked to. They were, indeed, more supple and slightly more grippy than a traditional set of laced reins. YMMV depending on leather quality, of course.

[poltroon]

I really love plaited reins. They are very soft and because they conform to your hand so well, very easy to grip and great for smaller hands especially.

[kbrethauer]

[QUOTE=vxf111;7875909]
I actually find them supple and grippy once broken in. They get really supple and ropy which I like.[/QUOTE]

This exactly! Once they break in they sort of mold to your hand and don’t slip through your fingers. I think they are super comfortable to use and I have pretty small hands…

[Ibex]

Hmmmmmmmmm. Off to troll ebay then!

[jen-s]

Plaited reins (to me) have as much grip as rubber. I love them. Especially a good quality, or well-loved/well-cared for cheaper pair. Break in for a cheaper pair is hell, but once they are soft, oh man are they heaven. They are all I’ll use. (Said the small-handed, grip-challenged gimp with a bad arm/wrist/hand)

[french_fry]

Just to throw this one out there, could you do plain leather or laced leather reins and get grippy gloves?

At least in my area the adult eq is very fashion-y so you might look a little out of place with plaited reins (not sure if you care or not! some people do…)

[arapaloosa_lady]

Unless it’s raining, plaited leather reins are great.

That rule is quite straightforward, lol. Just buy any all-leather rein, and you’ll be within the rules.