Reins for hacking

[Skib]

Could someone please explain what a "Continental" rein is? Does it just indicate made of canvas rather than leather?
I have kindly been sent a specimen of biogrip. It feels thicker and more rigid than the RS type reins I am used to having between my 4th and little finger. May be, as a late beginner, my hands are not yet "riders hands".
Leather with stops sounds lovely to me.

 

[milliepops]

I have all-leather continental reins, they are just plain reins with stops on.

 

[Leam_Carrie]

Could someone please explain what a "Continental" rein is? Does it just indicate made of canvas rather than leather?
I have kindly been sent a specimen of biogrip. It feels thicker and more rigid than the RS type reins I am used to having between my 4th and little finger. May be, as a late beginner, my hands are not yet "riders hands".
Leather with stops sounds lovely to me.

Continental reins have leather stops at regular intervals. Mine are rubber. I got them after someone recommended them as good to ensure you’re keeping an even contact in dressage as you can see they’re even and it’s stops them slipping through. I think they’re great.

 

[Nari]

I have some Jeffries (I think) thin leather reins but they have to be havana not black because the havana are left with an unsealed flesh side that gives more grip than the black ones. When new the ones I like are a lighter colour on the inside. By think I mean the sort of thickness that's usually used for a curb rein, I find that width sits better in my hand and as well as being more comfortable is also less likely to be pulled through my hand if things do hot up for a few moments.

Next best, and preferable if a horse tends to get sweaty easily, are thin dressage reins that have fine rubber on the inside.

A tip with plain leather reins and a sweaty horse is to tie a knot in them at a suitable place so they don't slide through your hands.

I absolutely hate the rubber reins that don't have a leather core. Some came with a bridle I bought and after a couple of rides I changed back to mine and gave them to a friend who actually liked them. It really is personal taste.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I love Eventa reins too.