Disclaimer: Post sponsored by Two Horse Tack. Compensation was in the form of a product of my choice to review. All opinions are my own.
Two Horse Tack reached out to me recently with an offer to select and review a piece of tack from their website. While I’ve got my tack really dialed in at this point, I’m of the mindset that one can never have too many reins, so I selected a pair of their Riding Reins.
The specs: Black super grip with Purple Beta ends, 3/4″, 9′, “trail” style (single loop, no buckle), stainless steel hardware, stainless steel scissor snaps. Retail value: $32
I’ve had the chance to use them several times now. I’ve got a couple other pairs of reins with the super-grip beta and I’m a big fan; it’s probably my favorite option for reins.
The 9′ length is a good overall length. Maybe a touch long when paired with her s-hackamore, but perfect for with a bit, especially for a pony who prefers a long, low head carriage. It’s also a good length to double as a lead rope to hop off and lead; and while it’s probably not recommended, the super-grip is soft and flexible enough to allow the reins to actually be used to tie.
The beta is also perfectly coordinated with my other beta tack, as they use the genuine BiothaneUSA material.
my nitpick: white stitching
My only nitpick is minor, and more of a personal taste/preference: I’m not a fan of larger, white thread for the stitching, but that is my own aesthetic preference.
If I were to change anything, I would also like to see a little bit more reinforcement at the point where the colored beta and the super-grip beta are joined. I have both heard and seen instances where stitching gave way at this point, so for my own peace of mind and paranoia, I really like either a second piece of beta stitched along the back side, effectively “sandwiching” the super-grip; or extra reinforcement of the stitching at the overlap point.
That aside, the worksmanship on them is solid, with good attention to detail. The stitching does look strong, the strap ends are trimmed, and rein measurements are precise.
The super-grip is really comfortable, and the grip is pony-tested — this is the only thing I can use on her that won’t rub blisters on my fingers.
Like all beta, it is ridiculously easy to take care of — wipe down, spray, or dunk in a bucket, and let drip dry.
Overall, I found them to be a very solid option, and very budget-friendly. Turnaround time was incredibly fast; the reins were shipped out the next day after I ordered them.
A girl can never have too many pairs of reins (saves me from always having to switch them off the different bit/bridle set-ups I use), so these will definitely have a permanent home with one of my bridle set-ups.
If you’re interested, Two Horse Tack has a newsletter sign-up (with a $10 gift card offer just for signing up), and are also offering a 10% discount code to readers:
I have their reins for my endurance bridle as well and really like them, htough mine are just plain beta as I hate grippy texture. I agree on the white stitching. Technically it’s possible to request black stitching.