The Traditional English Laced and Plaited Reins

Laced and plaited English reins are traditional English leather riding reins that provide more grip than a plain leather flat rein. Although they sound similar and are often confused, laced reins and plaited reins are quite different.

English Laced Reins

English laced reins start with a plain flat rein. Holes are then punched down the middle of the flat rein in the section where the rider’s hands hold the reins. Two small leather straps are then threaded through the hole and woven around the outside of the rein creating a herringbone-like pattern. The most popular English laced reins are 5/8" wide and 57 inches long.

English Plaited Reins

English plaited reins, plaited reins, or braided reins are when the rein itself is created of long leather straps that are plaited or braided together to form one woven rein. These are generally a little softer in the rider’s hand than a laced rein but typically a little thicker. The most popular plaited rein width is 5/8" but other widths are available. The standard length of a plaited rein is 57 inches but they are also available as extra-long plaited English reins.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Reins

What are English reins?

English reins are long pieces of leather, often plaited or laced, that connect the rider's hands to the horse's bit in the English riding discipline.

How long are standard English reins?

Standard English reins are 54” long. You may need to size up if you have a large horse, many sizes of English rein are available for horses of all sizes.

Why do English reins have a buckle?

English reins have a buckle because producing leather pieces long enough to have reins without a buckle would be very expensive. Theoretically, it would be totally safe to have English reins with no buckle, but it isn’t the standard practice.