ThinLine Reins... or other suggestions

[pattnic]

I am currently on a hunt for new reins with which to fall in love (read: I need new reins, but I'm really picky).

My requirements are:
-No wider than 5/8"
-Not laced
-Somewhat grippy, but doesn't get slippery
-Prefer hook/stud ends over buckle ends

I need both black and brown. Reins wider than 5/8" are uncomfortable for my very small hands (I can wear child-size golves). I like laced reins, but hate cleaning them, so I reserve those for shows. NICE web/rubber reins would be great, but I can't find them any narrower than 3/4". I find rubber reins to be bulky (even @ 5/8") and they all seem to get slippery when they get sweaty.

I am intrigued by the ThinLine reins, even though they measure closer to 3/4" at the ThinLine section. How do small-handed people feel about them (and just how small are your hands)? Do they get slippery from sweat? The ThinLine material doesn't seem like it would... and according to the website, they will be available in both black and brown this year, and are also available with a hook/stud end.

Input? Other suggestions (especially less-expensive suggestions, as I need a few pairs)?

THANKS!

[asterix]

well, for what it's worth, I have small hands, and have the same issue with most rubber reins -- I LOVE the thinline reins! They are thicker than I'd normally like but your hands sort of sink into them. They are pricey, but worth at least trying to see if they work for you.
I event with them and find them a good combination of grippy but easy to slide at the water, etc.

[jn4jenny]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my Thinline Reins. LOVE THEM. As in, will never ride in anything else and they are my third-favorite barn toy behind my trailer and my saddle.

I have very small hands, as in borderline between XS and S in most glove sizes. 3/4" rubber reins slide right through my fingers, but the Thinline reins solved my problems. They are actually *better* when they're a bit wet, if you can believe that--they get a bit more grippy. And the bulk hasn't been an issue at all.

I actually bought mine used for about $65, but if I ever lost them, I would gladly (and immediately) dish out $125 to replace them. They are very good quality and I expect them to last a long time--the logo at the buckle says that they're made by Harry Dabbs. My reins are brown, FWIW.

If you want to bargain hunt, try Arete Saddlery: awesome customer service and carries the full line of Thinline products. They are selling the reins for $110 (compare to $125 on the Thinline site) and Arete does honor all Thinline discount coupon codes. If you scrounge, there's usually a 15% off or $20 off $50+ coupon hanging around somewhere.

[Sudi's Girl]

I actually have been DYING to try the ThinLine Reins, but can't seem to find them in brown which I would need them for. I do however, have a pair of brown Equus Eventa reins which I like pretty well.

As far as black, I LOVE my Arc de Triomphe reins! They're calfskin and moderately thin for my small hands. Well worth EVERY penny!!

[Nix]

I have a pair of Equus Eventa reins and just love them. They are super soft and flexible and I can hold on to them quite well with my small hands. I believe they come in black and brown... run around $100 or so. They are the "thinnest" rubber reins I've seen so far.

I also love my Arc de Truimphe rubber reins.

[Jleegriffith]

I can't comment on the thinline but hands down these are the most awesome reins in the whole wide world- http://www.bitofbritain.com/Nunn_Finer_Soft_Grip_Rein_p/175.htm except I buy them at Bartville tack for around $50. I have the smallest hands and I ride several horses a day so my hands tend to get really sore with rubber reins even thin rubber reins. These reins are very thin and feel like nothing in your hand but last forever and are very grippy. I have used them hunting, eventing and in the rain and have been impressed.

Similiar but much more expensive
http://www.doversaddlery.com/jeffries-ultra-grip-rubber-reins/p/X1-03025/cn/1700/

[pharmgirl]

I second the Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins!! I haven't had them too long, so I can't comment on how they last but I love they way they feel and handle!
I have smaller hands, and in particular short-ish fingers and I felt the Thinline ones were too thick.

[flypony74]

I also have tiny hands and wear child-size gloves. My favorite reins, hands down, are Stubben Rubber reins. They are very grippy but also very flexible, and not quite as bulky as some others. I have them on all of my bridles.

I liked the feel of the Eventa rubber reins, but discovered when they got wet (horse sweat, etc), they got very slippery, so they didn't work out very well.

[Sudi's Girl]

I liked the feel of the Eventa rubber reins, but discovered when they got wet (horse sweat, etc), they got very slippery, so they didn't work out very well.

You know I've heard LOTS of people say this, but I have yet to have this problem with my EQUUS Eventa reins. We played a lot in the water complex up at Full Gallop over the weekend too, and no such slipperyness...Not sure why some experience it and I don't???

[Nix]

Those Nunn Finer brand look JUST like the Eventa reins... nice!! :yes:

I also wear gloves so maybe that's what keeps the reins from getting slippery when they are wet? I have a great pair of Roeckl gloves that are super thin but have some grip to them. They come in small sizes too... 6 !!

[Jleegriffith]

I find the eventa reins very slippery. I suppose they just don't have the bigger pebbles on them? Mine seem slick and I hate them. I am upgrading my reins this year because I have so many bridles with different reins on them and it is a pain to switch around my reins all the time.

[eventrider]

Thinline reins are the best! And they do not loose their grip at all when they are wet or slippery!

[lstevenson]

I find the Eventa reins very comfortable until things get sweaty. I think they are even worse than leather when the horse (or your hands) are sweaty.

I like the rubber reins with the smaller rubber pimples, as I hate riding in gloves, and only do so when showing. Those are soft, and are the most comfortable on bare hands.

I have always wanted to try the Thinline reins, but haven't had the chance to do so yet.

[Blugal]

My favourites are the rubber-lined reins (http://www.doversaddlery.com/warendorf-rubber-lined-reins/p/X1-0308/cn/1695/). I can find them in various widths (I think my current pairs are 1/2"), and they are legal and look nice in dressage. I also find them easier to slip over drops than traditional rubber or web reins or reins with stops. FYI I ride in either leather gloves (schooling) or cheapo cotton with pimples (shows).

[hrsjmpr]

I love the soft grip ones as well from Bartville, I now have them on both bridles. I am really picky about reins as well &these are great!

[scubed]

Both Stubben and Bobby's english tack do nice 5/8 inch rubber reins with hook ends, but my favorite are the web reins with the rubber in them. I find they are more supple and much more secure when wet. Nice, inexpensive ones are the treadstone super grip http://www.equusuk.co.uk/reins.htm