Rubber reins going ‘gooey’ ?

[Floofball]

Did a forum search and nothing came up so thought I’d ask ?

Have some lovely rubber backed reins that go on my show bridle (look like plain leather but got fine pimply rubber on the underside) I love them for the extra grip etc. Bridle not been used for a while so thought I’d give some tlc and saw that each end of the rubber on both reins have gone gooey? The bridle was a bit mouldy but has been worse ?‍ I’m assuming I’ll just have to bin them but wondered if there was a way of saving them? I really like them ?

TIA for any tips ??

 

[Nicnac]

You can get a saddler to remove the sticky rubber and replace but unless they were expensive reins may be cheaper to replace. These guys do it for £35 https://www.solent-saddlery.com/solent-saddlery/

 

[milliepops]

Yeah as above, I think once they go gooey it's a one way street.

 

[Red-1]

I had this years ago, I think I may have allowed the rubber to become contaminated with saddle dressing.

I don't re-rubber as it puts more holes in the leather of the reins and I don't want them double-perforated for fear of one day taking a pull and having them snap

 

[Floofball]

And this is why I love this forum! Thank you so much for your replies, I’ve had rubber perish before - as in go brittle and the pimples fall off - but never turn to goo!
I’ll probably replace, even though they were expensive at the time, I’ve had them well over 10 years - may try and remove the rest of the rubber and keep as a spare set as the leather is still lovely