All the leather accessories I offer with my rope products are made of premium leather which I cut and finish myself. To learn more about braided trim, buttons, etc., made with leather lace, go to the About the Trim page.

(Click on pictures with a dark outline to enlarge the image.)

To skip to a particular leather item, click on the link:

slobber straps, buckle straps, water straps, poppers, color choices

• Latigo: pliable and strong; stands up to worst weather and toughest treatment; great for reins, bridles, strap goods, outdoor gear
• Bridle: strong with minimal stretch; waxy, weather resistant finish; best for high quality belts and strap goods
• Lace: very strong and durable; ideal for lace, saddle strings and strap goods

back to top

Rein Leathers

Easy Change Slobber Straps

These are used to attach mecate reins or loop rope reins to a bit. They add weight to your reins and create a "hinge" to help give instant release so your horse gets a clear message, thus enhancing your training efforts. I make my slobber straps with 9-10 oz Bridle or Latigo leather in black, burgundy, tan or brown. They are 1 ½" wide and 8" long when folded and are notched at the bit connection point for ease of fit and movement. I punch a ¾" hole with a 1" slit to make it easier to get your reins through. But the best thing about them is that you don’t have to re-thread your reins to change bits! They are made with 2 separate pieces of leather (the shorter piece may be of slightly lighter weight) connected with heavy duty ¼" lace. To change bridles or bits, simply untie the lace, unfold the long piece, fold around a different bit, re-tie the lace – no need to go through the whole process of threading your reins again! Most of us can’t afford enough sets of mecate reins to have one for each bit/bridle or for each horse we ride. Or maybe you have a favorite set of reins you prefer. These Easy Change Slobber Straps make it easier to use one set of reins with a variety of bits and/or horses.

back to top

Buckle Straps

These connect eye loop reins to a bit and work somewhat like "mini slobber straps". They can be used with or without snaps. I make these with 9 – 10 oz Latigo or Bridle leather in black, burgundy, tan or brown. They are 5/8" wide and about 5" long when buckled. They attach to eye loop reins with a double heart braid or with an easy to remove leather lace tie – your choice of styles. The conway buckle is available in solid brass or nickel plate. I like to use rein leathers instead of splicing the rope onto a snap so if the snap breaks (which all hardware tends to do, no matter the quality) it can easily be replaced and your reins are still usable.

back to top

Water Straps

These connect reins to a bit and can be used with or without snaps. I make these with 9 – 10 oz Latigo or Bridle leather in black, burgundy, tan or brown. They are 5/8" wide, 3 ½" long when folded and are connected to the reins with leather lace. They can easily be attached to a bit or snap - untie the lace, loop through the bit or snap and retie the lace. As explained above, I like to use rein leathers instead of splicing the rope onto a snap because the rope will far outlast any snap.

back to top

Poppers

Poppers

I make these with 7 – 8 oz Latigo leather in black or burgundy or Lace leather in acorn. They are ½" wide and approximately 9" long when attached with a double heart braid. Poppers are not just for decoration. This leather is firm, not floppy, and will "pop" when slapped against your leg, boot, ground, etc. to get your horse’s attention. It also makes a whirring sound when you twirl the end of your rope. 

Note: Poppers for Handy Strings are 3/8" wide and about 7 ½ " long but are made with the same kind of leather.

back to top

Color Choices

Leather Colors: 

Black Burgundy Tan Brown Acorn

The burgundy is a little "redder" than the picture shows.  The picture for poppers is more accurate.

Note: I have sealed my leather products with a finish coat but the dye may still bleed slightly if they get totally soaked. Please be aware of this and be careful of what the leather items drip onto or lay against while wet.

back to top