Every time you swing into the saddle, you trust your equipment to keep you safe. You wear a helmet. You might wear a body protector. You check your stirrups. But there's one piece of tack that has gone largely unchanged for centuries and it could be putting both you and your horse at serious risk.
We're talking about your reins.
FR Vincitore was born from a desire to change that. Founded by Laurie Williams, an equestrian with a BSc in Equine Science and over 32 years in the saddle, the brand has created the UK's first patented quick-release safety rein system. Approved by British Eventing (BE), British Showjumping (BS), and the FEI, these reins are quickly becoming the most important piece of safety kit since the safety stirrup.
The Hidden Danger in Your Hands: Rein Entanglement
Horse riding is one of the most rewarding sports in the world. It's also one of the most dangerous. Research shows that up to 81% of equestrians experience at least one riding injury requiring medical care during their lifetime. Of all sports tracked in the US, equestrian activities rank as the leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injuries in adults.
But the danger doesn't only come from falling. Traditional reins carry their own unique hazard: entanglement. When a horse stumbles, spooks, or a rider falls, conventional reins can wrap around necks, arms, legs (of both rider and horse) turning a manageable fall into a life-threatening situation.
FR Vincitore founder Laurie Williams witnessed exactly this. She saw a young girl become entangled in her reins, with the leather wrapping around the child's neck. The reins refused to break. The consequences could have been fatal.
"The reins refused to break, it was terrifying. I managed to grab the pony while her mum grabbed her. She was shaken and left with burns around her neck. There had to be a way of making them safer." — Laurie Williams, Founder, FR Vincitore
Introducing the FR Vincitore Patented Quick-Release Safety Rein
The FR Vincitore solution is as elegant as it is effective. At the centre of every pair of safety reins is a patented quick-release connector, a lightweight mechanism that keeps the reins firmly coupled during normal riding, yet releases instantly when extreme force is applied, such as the full weight of a rider falling.
Think of it like a ski binding, but for your reins. Just as a ski binding holds firm on piste but releases in a fall to protect your knees, the FR Vincitore connector holds firm in your hands but releases in an emergency to protect you and your horse from entanglement.
Key features include:
• Patented quick-release connector — releases only under extreme emergency force, never during normal use
• Reassembles in seconds after release — no need to replace the reins
• Lightweight and subtle — won't distract horse or rider
• Made with premium leather and finest materials
• Extensively tested by experts at the AMRC Cymru, part of the University of Sheffield
• Approved by FEI, British Eventing (BE), and British Showjumping (BS)
• Available in multiple sizes: Pony, Cob, Full and custom orders
• Weight-rated connectors — choose the right connector for your weight in kg
The FR Vincitore Range: Safety Reins for Every Rider
FR Vincitore has expanded its range to ensure every rider can choose safety in the style they love most.
1. The Original Safety Reins
The rein that started it all. Handmade from slim-profile, high-quality leather with soft bio-grip technology, the Original reins offer unrivalled grip in all conditions. Their slim design enables subtle, sensitive communication with your horse, making them as effective for advanced flatwork as they are for hacking. Available in black and Havana brown.
2. The Eventer Safety Reins
Launched in Autumn 2023 following customer demand, the Eventer reins keep the slim profile of the Original but add rubber grip and rubber stops for enhanced hold. Whether you're schooling on the flat, jumping a course, or riding in wet weather, the Eventer reins won't let you down. Also available in black and Havana brown in full, cob, and pony sizes.
3. The Libre Safety Reins
The newest addition to the family, the Libre Reins are classic rubber grip reins available in 1/2 inch and 16mm widths. Designed for riders who prefer the feel of rubber reins, they are available with or without leather loops for extra grip. Best of all, starting from just £58 a pair, the Libre Reins make safety accessible to every budget.
Science-Backed, Competition-Approved
FR Vincitore reins aren't just safe, they're proven. Laurie partnered with product testing experts at AMRC Cymru (part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) to develop and extensively test the connector mechanism. The result is a patented system that meets the demanding force thresholds required for competition use.
Endorsements from leading equine scientists, including Dr David Marlin, confirm the product's credentials:
"Safety is incredibly important when it comes to being around or riding horses. We support innovation and science-backed products — this quick-release safety system appears to be a well-designed product that we hope will decrease injury risk for both horses and riders." — Equine Science Expert
The reins are also approved for use at the highest levels of competition — including FEI, British Eventing, and British Showjumping events — meaning you can ride safely without sacrificing your competitive edge.
What Riders Are Saying
FR Vincitore reins have earned exceptional reviews from riders across the UK and beyond. Here's what customers are experiencing:
"I chose these reins for my daughter after she had a traumatic riding accident where she became entangled in her reins and was dragged under her pony after falling. They are incredible and have given us huge peace of mind." — Trustpilot Customer Review
"Incredible product. My daughter is 5 and does show jumping so I feel much better knowing she is safer as she rides. The quality of the product along with the customer service is fantastic." — Trustpilot Customer Review
"I can't believe they don't already exist! These safety reins hugely reduce the risk of injury to horse and rider, every rider should be using them." — Equestrian Professional
Where to Find FR Vincitore Safety Reins
You can shop the full FR Vincitore range directly at www.frvincitore.co.uk. The reins are also available through a growing network of trusted equestrian stockists including:
• FR Vincitore – www.frvincitore.co.uk
• Charles Owen — nationwide stockists
• Agrihealth — Ireland
• Email us for, EU, New Zealand, Australia and Malta Stockist
Make the Switch to Safety Reins Today
Safety stirrups were once considered a niche upgrade. Today, most riders wouldn't be without them. FR Vincitore's safety reins are on the same trajectory and the sooner you make the switch, the sooner you and your horse benefit from an added layer of protection every single ride.
With multiple rein styles available at different price points, a range approved at the highest competition levels, and endorsements from equine science experts, there's never been a better time to choose smarter reins.
Shop the full FR Vincitore safety rein range at www.frvincitore.co.uk FEI, BE & BS Approved | Made in the UK
