Tyler Shupe Leather
Dark Oil Split Reins, Single-Ply Harness Leather with Waterloop Tie Ends
Pick up a pair of these split reins and you will feel the difference before you ever see a horse. Weight in the hand, drape between the fingers, and an edge that has been hand-rubbed enough times to know your grip before you do. These are dark oil, single-ply harness leather split reins with traditional waterloop tie ends: the reins that disappear into the ride.
Every set is cut side by side from the same side of leather. Both reins come from the same hide, the same grain, the same weight, the same temperament, so they drape the same off the bit, swing the same off the tail and break in together. A lot of split reins on the market are cut from whatever is left after a saddle is built, one rein heavier or stiffer or a half-shade off from the other. Ours were born together. They ride together.
Choose your width:
- 1/2": lighter, faster feel in the hand; the finesse rein, and the pick for smaller hands.
- 5/8": heavier, with more presence at the bit and more weight in the tail for drape.
Standard length is 8'. Because these are cut from full sides of natural leather, every set varies a little in length and weight depending on where it falls on the hide, and that lets us match you to a set that suits you. Leave a note at checkout with the length you want (anywhere from 6.5' to 8') and whether you prefer lighter or heavier, and we will pull the closest set from current inventory or cut a fresh pair.
Specs
| Style | Western split reins with waterloop tie ends, no hardware |
| Width | 1/2" or 5/8" |
| Standard length | 8' |
| Custom length range | 6.5' to 8', requested in order notes |
| Weight options | Lighter or heavier, requested in order notes |
| Leather | Premium American harness leather, single-ply |
| Color | Dark oil |
| Construction | Hand cut, beveled, oiled, conditioned, sealed and hand-rubbed; both reins matched from the same side of leather |
| Fits | Snaffle bits and curb bits |
| What's included | One matched pair of split reins in your chosen width |
| Maker's mark | Every pair is stamped with the Tyler Shupe Leather mark before it leaves the shop |
| Origin | Handmade in Eminence, Indiana, USA |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship |
A word on the leather. We have handled hides from every major American tannery and we do not use any of them. The names you have heard of are good; we found a small tannery most of the trade has never heard of that produces harness leather with a tighter grain, more consistent body and a richer break-in. It costs us more than Hermann Oak. We pay it, then hand-pick our sides one at a time, because even the best tannery does not make every hide equal. If you buy reins on a tannery name, this may not be the listing for you. If you buy reins on how they feel in your hands, keep reading.
These reins are made to be used, trusted and kept. The leather will darken with sweat and time, the edges will round to your grip, the hand-rubbed finish will deepen and the dark oil will hold its color. Years from now, with care, they will still ride better than the day they shipped. Not sure what kind of rein fits your discipline? Read our guide on how to choose Western reins.
FAQs
What length should I ask for?
Most general Western riders ride 7' to 8'. Riders who want a shorter, quicker rein often go 6.5' to 7'. Leave the length you want in the order notes at checkout; if you say nothing, you get the 8' standard.
Snaffle or curb?
Both. Waterloop tie ends attach cleanly to any standard bit ring, which is why split reins are the most versatile Western rein there is: two-handed in a snaffle, one-handed neck reining in a curb, and everything between. Spare loops are easy: our matching dark oil leather water loops come in the same 1/2" and 5/8" widths.
Why single-ply instead of doubled and stitched?
Single-ply is a different style, not a lesser one. A single layer of harness leather has a softer hand, a quicker break-in and a more direct feel. Doubled and stitched is built for heft and sheer longevity; single-ply is built for feel. We make both for that reason.
How do I care for them?
Wipe down with a dry cloth after use and give them a light conditioner every few months to keep the dark oil rich and the leather supple; do not soak them, since the oil finish is meant to repel water.
"Own something they'll fight over when you die."
Shipping & Returns
100% Satisfaction Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty
Every Tyler Shupe Leather product is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials — every item we sell, no exceptions. No product is excluded; the warranty covers defects, not normal wear or misuse.
If your product ever fails because of craftsmanship or materials, contact us as soon as possible and we will repair or replace it free of charge. The warranty applies to the original purchaser. Normal wear and tear, misuse or neglect, prolonged water damage, and alterations made by someone other than us are not covered — but if you’re unsure, just reach out. We’re always happy to take a look. Full details and care requirements are on our Warranty & Leather Care page.
Returns
Yes — we accept returns. Eligible items may be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund.
- Items must be unused, unaltered, and in resaleable condition, with their original packaging.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method once your return has been received and inspected. Please allow 3–5 business days after inspection for processing; bank posting times vary.
- Original shipping charges are not refundable. Only the price of the returned items is refunded. If your order shipped free, nothing is deducted for the original shipping.
- Return shipping is paid by the customer. You can use our prepaid label — the cost of the label is deducted from your refund — or ship it back with your own insured carrier.
Final Sale — Not Eligible for Return
- Custom, engraved, personalized, and made-to-order items are final sale. They cannot be returned or exchanged. (The lifetime warranty still covers them against defects.)
- Clearance and other final sale items.
- Items showing wear, damage, odors, or alterations.
- Leather damaged by improper care (harsh chemicals, sealed storage causing mold).
- Gift cards.
How to Start a Return
- Email shupe_tyler@yahoo.com within 30 days of delivery with your order number and what you’d like to return.
- We’ll reply with return instructions and your prepaid label option.
- Send the item back unused and in its original packaging. Once it arrives and passes inspection, we issue your refund.
Belt Size Exchanges
Belts are measured from the fold at the buckle to the middle hole, and sometimes the number just isn’t right. We are happy to exchange new, unworn belts for a different size.
- No time limit. As long as the belt is unused and in original condition, we’ll exchange it — there’s no deadline on a size swap.
- You pay shipping both ways — shipping the belt back to us, and shipping on the replacement belt.
- Custom, engraved, and personalized belts are final sale and cannot be exchanged.
- Not sure what to order? Our Belt Measurement Guide shows exactly where to put the tape.
How to Start an Exchange
- Email shupe_tyler@yahoo.com with your order number and the size you need — before sending anything back.
- We’ll confirm the size you want is available and send you return instructions.
- Ship the belt back to us. When it arrives, we’ll send a short invoice for shipping on the replacement — once that’s taken care of, your new belt goes out.
Who Pays Shipping
| Situation | Shipping to us | Shipping back to you |
|---|---|---|
| Return within 30 days | You (our label, deducted from your refund — or your own carrier) | — |
| Belt size exchange | You | You |
| Warranty repair or replacement | You | We pay |
| Free cleaning & conditioning | You | We pay |
| Wrong or defective item we sent | We pay | We pay |
Original shipping charges are never refunded, on a return or an exchange. International customers cover return shipping as well as any duties, taxes, or import fees.
Shipping & Processing Times
We do our very best to get all in-stock orders shipped within 2–3 business days of being placed.
Because our products are handcrafted and we’re a small operation, there may occasionally be times when processing takes up to 4–5 business days. If that happens, please know we’re still working hard to get your order out as quickly as possible.
Custom, engraved and made-to-order items are built for you from scratch and take longer — we’ll email you an estimated ship date after you order. If you need something by a certain date, message us before ordering.
Free U.S. standard shipping on orders $99+ (after any discount codes). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95; standard shipping typically takes 3–7 business days once your order is on its way.
Expedited Shipping
For a flat $25, our expedited processing and shipping option moves your order to the front of the line and ships it via USPS Priority Mail — about 2–3 business days from order to door for most U.S. addresses.
If you need an item shipped faster than our expedited option, please contact us before placing your order and we’ll do our best to help.
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking information.
Please note that processing time is separate from shipping time, and carrier delays are outside of our control. If your package arrives damaged, email us within 7 days with photos of the box and item so we can make it right.
Questions?
Reach out any time through our contact page or at shupe_tyler@yahoo.com. You can also check our FAQ.
Built to Last. Built for You
Built for riders who demand both grit and style.
