Orange rubber reins

[Dottie]

Can anybody tell me what the difference is between these and normal rubber reins?
I'm assuming they are quite traditional? Am I right in saying that they are mainly used in racing and hunting as it's easier to find them after a hairy incident?!
I would quite like a pair though, if anyone has and links...

 

[TarrSteps]

They used to be orange back in the day because that was the colour the rubber came in! It was necessity, not fashion, in the same way wellington boots came in green and more green.

I really wouldn't buy an old pair, even if you do find them, as the rubber did degrade over time, plus, again by necessity, they were quite thick and cumbersome.

I'm sure someone out there makes copies though.

 

[LadyRascasse]

There you go http://www.deversaddlery.co.uk/racing-rubber-grip-reins-c47.html

 

[MrsMozart]

You'll need a feel of them before buying!

A lot are quite stiff and cumbersome (as TS said). I have one pair that I use for hacking in the winter. They go well with winter gloves, as in they fit nicely in my gloved hand, whereas my normal (dressage reins - narrower leather, rubber grip down inside only) can be a bit fiddly.

I wouldn't use the orange ones when schooling as they don't offer enough feel, but for chilling along on a cold and / or wet hack I find them to be grand

 

[lucemoose]

They are thick and hardwearing! Try gibsons of Newmarket or even rideaway for them.

 

[Baggybreeches]

I actually have mine made to measure by a local saddler, I like the reins to be a particular length as well as having grips just the right size. I am odd though…

 

[Jesstickle]

Gibsons will sell you as many pairs as you like. They must sell thousands a year in Newmarket as everyone uses them

https://www.gibsonsaddlers.com/prod...s_session_id=658824bdc516f272a0d3506f2b7727fb


They're probably quite thick compared to what you're used to though. I like them on the race horses but would never try and school my own horse in them.

 

[dominobrown]

I have some, but again I bought them for racing and nothing else.