How to Choose the Best Barrel Reins with Martin Saddlery

It's been said thousands of times: "Reins are an extension of your hands." The way you communicate through your hands to your horse can have a significant impact on their understanding, willingness, and overall confidence in your leadership abilities. Consistent, quiet, and effective hand communication will grow a horse's confidence and understanding, ultimately leading to success. Having the right barrel racing reins in your hands can make a world of difference.

For over two decades, Martin Saddlery has been offering a wide range of high-quality and reliable barrel reins, understanding that every barrel racer has their own preference. With a variety of materials, sizes, and textures available, their goal is to help you find the best barrel reins for your hands, your horse, and your run.

Barrel Rein Materials

Martin Saddlery crafts, specializes in, and has perfected a wide range of barrel racing reins, all made from different materials. Here are some basic things to know about each material:

• Leather (All leather products are made with the highest quality Hermann Oak Leather)
  • Harness: Firmer, stouter, and originally made for heavier-duty tasks. Due to its tanning process, has a more robust body and is known for its durability and weather-resistant nature.
  • Latigo: Softer and more flexible. Due to its tanning process, has a water-resistant nature and was originally crafted for use in straps, belts, and more.
• BioThane — Provides a non-slip surface for your hands — no need to worry about losing your place in the middle of a turn.
• Mohair Blend — Offers a lightweight, soft feel with plenty of movement and are exceptionally softer, with a slight "give."
• Nylon — An economically friendly choice, these lightweight reins have been used in the barrel pen for decades because of their strength and reliability.

Martin Saddlery Barrel Rein Options

Leather Barrel Reins

• Latigo Leather Rein: Features a clean look with a smooth feel. Martin Saddlery kept it simple with the design of these reins, removing the added weight of any extra features. Available in a ¾".

The leather reins listed below allow you to pinpoint your perfect shoulder-width hand placement going into a barrel —

• Latigo Laced Barrel Rein: Martin Saddlery's number one seller since 2004, these durable harness leather reins are laced with latigo leather for the perfect feel. Designed with weight, size, feel, longevity, and appearance in mind. Available in a ¾" and 5/8" and in black, chocolate, or turquoise latigo lacing.

• Blood Twist Barrel Rein: Made with top-quality latigo leather complete with six blood twists. The twists have a similar purpose as a knot would have without the added bulk. Available in a 5/8".
• Braided Harness Barrel Rein: The 3-plait barrel rein is lightweight and built to last. Made with Hermann Oak harness leather. If you are a rider with a smaller hand but enjoy the feel of a braided rein, these were made for you. Complete with hardware for easy length adjustments, these reins are user-friendly and have that broke-in feel from the first moment you grab them. Available in a 5/8".
• Braided Latigo Barrel Rein: Performance and longevity were in mind when these reins were designed. Features a 5-plait latigo leather braid and braided knots. Though these reins are a touch thicker than some of the others, they don't carry any extra weight. Equipped with hardware for easy length adjustments. Available in a 7/8".

BioThane Barrel Reins

• BioThane Rein: Perfect for the barrel racer who struggles with keeping their grip on the reins. Ensures a non-slip surface so you don't have to worry about losing your place in the middle of a turn. Latigo leather ends are complete with hardware for easy length adjustments and bit changes. Available in a ¾".

Mohair Blend Barrel Reins

• Blended Mohair Rein: Features a 5-strand braid with latigo leather knots. Offers a lightweight feel with plenty of movement. Leather knots allow the barrel racer to reach down and grab the rein, knowing their hand placement will be the same every single run. Equipped with hardware for easy length adjustments and snaps to switch to another bit. Available in 5/8" and in black or white.

Nylon Barrel Reins

• Braided Nylon Barrel Rein with Knots: Strategically placed knots ensure the rider can reach down and grab in the same spot every time. Easily adjusts to your length preference and comes equipped with double snaps for your convenience. Available in a 1" and in black, brown, grey-white, purple-grey, maroon-tan, mint, lime-purple, and pink.

About Martin Saddlery Barrel Reins

New — But as Good as the Day They Were Old

There's nothing like your favorite set of barrel reins — the ones passed down through generations, or that trusted pair you've used on every horse you've ever started. But even the best reins eventually reach the end of their ride. We get it, because we've felt it too.

That's why we set out to make old the new new.

Every set of Martin Saddlery barrel reins is crafted from hand-rubbed Hermann Oak and latigo leather, processed with Martin's signature method to deliver that perfectly "broke-in" feel right from the start. Each strap is hand-oiled and hand-finished the traditional cowboy way — so whether you're picking your first pair of barrel racing reins or replacing a set you've worn out over years of runs, you're getting the same quality and feel Martin Saddlery has built its name on for over two decades.