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I am not offering advice, I need some. I rode Izzy in rubber reins for several years until I felt that I needed something lighter. I switched to your basic web reins with hand stops. Those are working okay. For quite a few years, I've ridden Speedy in black laced reins. I know they're not too terribly traditional in the dressage court, but they're what I've liked until recently.  Black laced reins. Unfortunately, the laced reins suddenly started giving me a painful callous on my left ring finger. The callous began forming about the same time that we started schooling Third Level in earnest. Sort of like how my left hip went wonky as soon as I started sitting the trot for Second Level. What do I get at Fourth? A broken leg? Sheesh.  Get a manicure, girlfriend! I am using a pair of web reins on Speedy now, but they are absolutely lifeless in my hand. They're like poly lead ropes, limp and inanimate. That was the one thing I really liked about the laced reins, how "alive" they felt. Rubber reins are too "heavy" in my hand for Speedy, meaning I don't get the softer connection I like. I asked my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, what she thought, and she recommended I give ThinLine Reins a try.  ThinLine Reins I've read the reviews, which seem overwhelmingly positive, but I'd like to hear why you all hate or love them. Do you like them with or without handstops? Do you like the ThinLine lined reins or the ThinLine English version? I am leaning towards the English version without handstops.
I also researched the cheapest place to get them, which seems like directly from ThinLine Global. Right now, they're selling for $90 which is a lot less than the $135 they go for at Dover or SmartPak. I am not sure if this is a sale price or if ThinLine regularly undersells their distributors. So. Any advice for me?
Terry
7/23/2019 08:58:15 am
You might consider single laced reins. They give you the same feel as laced reins, but without the finger damage. The only downside is that they have the hook type fastening to the bit and I much prefer the buckles. http://www.adttack.com/products/accessories/reins/single-laced-reins/ Stateline carries them. 8/7/2019 04:17:26 pm
Those reins are very unique. I've never seen any like them before!
Marlane
7/23/2019 02:24:01 pm
I like just plain thin reins the ones sold to use with a double bridle. I don't know if they come in black. They are about 1/2 wide and completely smooth. Ebay may have some they come in different lengths and usually have billeted fasteners. 8/7/2019 04:18:15 pm
I can't do completely smooth as they slide too much. I need some grip, but too much grip. Shaking head. LOL
Dom
7/23/2019 03:01:01 pm
I rode in those ThinLine reins for the first time a few weeks ago and I wish I hadn't... because I will never be able to justify buying myself a pair and they're INCREDIBLE OMG. 8/7/2019 04:19:23 pm
I was able to check them out at a recent show. I am about 75% sure I'll like them, but they seem a wee bit thick. I am probably going to spring for them anyway. Thanks for the feedback. If you like them, I probably will too. :0)
Valerie
7/23/2019 05:40:44 pm
Hey Karen, I carry the Thinline and they are super soft and squishy but too thick for my small hands and when I put them with a curb rein for a double the two together are too much. I also carry and ride with a biothane rein that is thinner and has a nice elastic (not stretchy) feel. If you are around I can show them to you. 8/7/2019 04:19:49 pm
can you get them for me in the longer length?!?!?! :0)
Val
7/31/2019 11:19:22 am
Hi Karen 8/7/2019 04:20:18 pm
That would be a solution, but I am more lazy than poor. LOL Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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