When we go to shows and lay out our reins we often get a lot of funny looks when we tell people that we use Kangaroo leather to lace them. While not a common material to lace reins with, it definitely has it's upsides. Namely in it's strength and durability, but what makes it so durable?
Kangaroo leather is renowned for its strength and durability due to several factors:
Tightly woven fibers: Kangaroo leather has a very tight fiber structure, which contributes to its strength. The fibers are densely packed, making the leather less prone to tearing or stretching compared to other types of leather.
High tensile strength: Kangaroo leather possesses excellent tensile strength, meaning it can withstand pulling forces without breaking. This is attributed to the unique collagen structure of kangaroo hide, which is organized in a way that maximizes strength.
Thin yet strong: Kangaroo leather is thinner than many other types of leather, yet it retains its strength. This is advantageous for applications where lightweight, flexible materials are needed without compromising on durability.
Resistance to abrasion: Kangaroo leather is highly resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for demanding applications such as sports equipment (e.g., soccer cleats, boxing gloves) and industrial uses (e.g., conveyor belts).
Natural oils: Kangaroo leather contains natural oils that help keep it supple and prevent it from becoming brittle over time. These oils also contribute to its strength and resilience.
Tanning process: The tanning process used for kangaroo leather often involves techniques that enhance its strength and durability. Specialized tanning methods can further improve the leather's resistance to water, stretching, and other forms of damage.
Overall, the combination of these factors makes kangaroo leather one of the strongest and most durable types of leather available, particularly well-suited for applications requiring toughness and resilience, such as equestrian activities.
Another plus is the colors available, at Blackwater Tack Co. we've searched high and low for cowhide lace that can even come close to the color selection that is available in Kangaroo.
With so many colors to choose from, there are a lot of options available from Blackwater Tack Co. to make your perfect set of reins. The only possible downside to Kangaroo leather is how thin it is, this is only an issue if you prefer a thicker lace for more grip, in this instance your best bet would be to have reins made with cow leather (stay tuned...cowhide laced reins will be coming soon!).
Whichever type of leather you choose to have your reins laced with, you can't go wrong with the strength, durability, and huge selection of gorgeous colors available to you with our hand-made reins!