Schockemöhle Reins Guide: DuraSoft, Rubber & Leather Compared

We get asked about Schockemöhle reins more than almost any other piece of tack, and for good reason. They're everywhere in dressage, eventing, and jumping — and riders either love them or can't imagine using anything else. The honest truth? The choice comes down to your hands, your climate, and what you're trying to achieve with your riding. Schockemöhle makes 16+ rein models, and the differences between them aren't just about aesthetics. They're about grip, durability, and feel — the three things that matter when your connection to your horse depends on what's in your hands.

This guide walks you through every Schockemöhle rein type we stock, explains what DuraSoft technology actually does, and shows you exactly how to pick the right pair for your discipline and preferences.

What Makes Schockemöhle DuraSoft Reins Different?

DuraSoft is Schockemöhle's flagship technology, and it's the foundation for most of their range. Here's what you're actually getting: a tear-resistant nylon core — the same material used in seatbelts — paired with sturdy webbing lining throughout, including reinforced bit loops. The 16mm standard width or 18mm wide option gives you options depending on hand size and preference. What sets DuraSoft apart is the grip. Every pair comes with rubber-lined sections to give you better purchase in wet conditions, which matters if you're schooling in wet weather or dealing with summer sweat. You get nine integrated hand stops per side and adjustable sliding rein stops if you use a running martingale. The buckles are stainless steel, so they won't rust or discolour with use.

The grip sections wear over time, but that's genuinely the point. As they soften, they adapt to your hands. Riders often tell us their DuraSoft reins feel better after a season of use than they did straight out of the box.

Rubber Reins vs Leather Reins — Which Should You Choose?

This is the decision that stops most riders in their tracks. Both work. The choice is about your climate, how much maintenance you want, and personal feel preference.

Rubber reins (including Schockemöhle's DuraSoft range and traditional soft rubber options) excel in wet conditions. They don't slip when your hands are damp, and they're forgiving if you forget to dry them after riding. They're also a more affordable entry point and virtually maintenance-free. The downside? They can feel slightly less refined than leather, and they're not traditional if you care about that.

Leather reins (the Schockemöhle rolled and half-rubber options) feel authentic and elegant. They age beautifully if you look after them, and many experienced riders swear the tactile feedback is superior. The trade-off: you need to condition them regularly, they slip more easily if you're riding in wet conditions, and they're a bigger investment.

Neither choice is wrong. It's genuinely about your routine and what your hands prefer.

The Complete Schockemöhle Reins Range Compared

Schockemöhle's rein lineup is bigger than most riders realise. Here's what separates the main categories:

DuraSoft Range (the workhorse): The Original 16mm DuraSoft, Grip, Grip Wide 18mm, DuraSoft Rubber, Rolled, Rolled Grip, Hook & Stud, and more. These are the reins you see on a huge number of ridden horses across every discipline. They're durable, represent good value, and are designed for active riders who school regularly. The variations exist because different hands and disciplines need different feels — more on that below.

Soft Rubber & Half-Rubber options: These sit between DuraSoft and pure leather. The Hook & Stud Rubber With Stops is our bestseller for good reason — it balances grip, durability, and a slightly more refined feel. The Soft Rubber With Stops, Half Rubber With Stops, and Soft Dots Rubber round out the range.

DuraSoft Rolled

Smooth rolled profile for a refined feel through the hand — popular with dressage riders moving up the levels.

DuraSoft Grip

The all-rounder. Rubber-lined grip zones and nine hand stops per side — the go-to for everyday schooling.

Pure Leather & Leather Rolled: For riders who want traditional aesthetics and are willing to maintain them. The Leather Rolled With Stops is the standout — available with stops (the small leather knots that prevent reins sliding through your hands).

Double Bridle reins: Plain Leather Double Bridle Reins Hook & Stud and Classic Double Stop Ring Web Reins. Specifically designed for double bridle work, where you need separate reins for snaffle and curb.

Which Schockemöhle Reins Are Best for Dressage?

Dressage riders are fussy about reins — and rightfully so. Your reins are your primary communication tool, and the feel matters enormously.

For lower-level dressage (elementary and below), DuraSoft Grip or Grip Wide reins are the sweet spot. They're stable enough for steady contact, the grip prevents slipping during transitions, and they're forgiving if you're still refining your hand position. Moving up to medium and advanced, many riders switch to DuraSoft Rolled Grip or the pure leather rolled options. The rolled profile gives a marginally more elastic feel through your hand, which some riders find helps them follow the horse's mouth through extended trot or passage. It's marginal — we're talking nuance here — but it matters when you're competing.

Don't get seduced by the idea that premium = better. We see Prix St. Georges riders on DuraSoft Grip reins and Grand Prix riders experimenting with rubber. It's about what your hands trust.

Which Reins Do You Need for a Double Bridle?

Double bridle riding — whether for advanced dressage or certain showing classes — requires reins that keep your snaffle and curb lines separate and clearly distinguished.

Plain Leather Double Bridle Reins

Schockemöhle's double bridle reins come in two main configurations: Plain Leather Hook & Stud (shown here) and Classic Double Stop Ring Web Reins. Both give you four rein segments — two for the snaffle, two for the curb — that stay visually distinct. The ring design keeps everything organised and prevents cross-over confusion mid-ride.

Most riders prefer hook and stud fastening for double bridles because it reduces bulk around the bridle attachment points. Leather double bridle reins are the traditional choice, though they require more maintenance than DuraSoft alternatives.

If you're new to double bridle work, make sure you've read up on the protocol before choosing reins — you'll need to understand how each rein pair is meant to function. Read our full Double Bridle Guide for everything you need to know. And if you're building a complete bridle setup, our Anatomical Bridle Guide covers how to choose the right headpiece.

How to Choose the Right Rein Width

This is the detail most riders skip over, and it costs them comfort.

16mm vs 18mm — It's About Your Hands

Standard rein width is 16mm — roughly the width of an adult index finger. It suits most adult riders and is the default across Schockemöhle's range. The 18mm wide option (available in DuraSoft Grip Wide) is worth considering if you have larger hands, wear thick gloves in winter, or simply prefer more rein in your palm.

The extra 2mm means your fingers can sit more naturally without bunching up. It's not about strength — it's about grip mechanics.

Younger riders (under 14) should stick with 14mm or smaller if available — standard width is too wide for their hand span and creates unnecessary tension. We stock other brands with narrower options if you're shopping for juniors.

Beyond Schockemöhle — Other Rein Options We Stock

Schockemöhle is dominant for good reason, but they're not your only choice. We also stock Acavallo reins (including their Kris and Tubular models in leather and rubber combinations), Professional's Choice, Schutz Brothers, and Supreme.

Each brings something different. Acavallo offers premium leather-rubber hybrid reins with a slightly different aesthetic. Professional's Choice specialises in Western-influenced performance reins. If you've tried Schockemöhle and want to explore, browse the full reins collection to see everything we stock.

Most riders land on Schockemöhle for a reason, though. The range is deep, quality is consistent, and the DuraSoft technology is genuinely hard to beat for everyday riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between DuraSoft Grip and DuraSoft Rolled Grip?

A: Grip reins have a round cross-section with rubber-lined grip zones. Rolled reins are flattened slightly, which some riders find gives a more elastic, refined feel through the hand. The grip functionality is identical — it's purely about the overall shape and how the rein feels between your fingers. Both are excellent; it's personal preference.

Q: Do Schockemöhle reins stretch over time?

A: All reins soften and adapt slightly with use, especially the rubber-lined sections. This is normal and generally improves the feel. If they're genuinely stretching (becoming noticeably longer), that indicates wear and it's time to retire them.

Q: Can I use DuraSoft reins with a running martingale?

A: Absolutely. Every DuraSoft model comes with adjustable sliding stops that work with martingales. The stops slide along the rein, so you can position them exactly where you need them.

Q: Are rubber reins safe in competition?

A: Yes. Rubber reins are accepted in every discipline we're aware of — dressage, eventing, jumping, showing. Some judges might comment on the look if you're in a very traditional class (they prefer leather), but there's no rule against rubber. Check your specific competition rules if you're unsure.

Q: How often should I condition leather reins?

A: Once every four to six weeks if you ride regularly. Use leather conditioner designed for saddles and bridles — never household furniture polish. Wipe, apply sparingly, buff off excess. It takes five minutes and extends rein life by years.

Q: What's the advantage of hook and stud fastenings?

A: They're faster to attach and remove, and they're stronger if you manage to catch a rein on something. The trade-off is they're slightly less elegant than stitched buckles. For daily schooling, hook and stud wins. For formal showing, many riders prefer the look of stitched attachment.

Q: My reins are slipping in wet conditions. Should I switch to rubber?

A: Probably yes — that's literally what rubber reins solve. But first: check your grip. Are you squeezing? Ironically, a lot of riders grip harder in wet conditions, which actually causes more slipping. A light, consistent contact works better. If you're already doing that and still slipping, rubber reins will genuinely help. The answer might also be grip stops (the knots along the rein) if you don't have them already — they catch your fingers and prevent sliding.