Why Do My Riding Gloves Slip? How to Grip the Reins

Riding with Farris

Riding gloves usually slip because the palm has lost grip on wet, sweaty, or worn-smooth reins — the fix is a grippier palm, a snug fit, and clean, dry gloves and reins.

By the riders at Farris · Updated June 2026

Why do riding gloves slip on the reins?

Riding gloves slip because the palm isn't gripping — and that usually comes down to three things: the reins are wet or sweaty, the glove palm is smooth or worn, or the glove is too big and bunching. Sometimes the reins themselves are slick. In almost every case it's a grip problem at the palm, not a problem with how you're holding the reins.

How do you stop riding gloves from slipping?

• Choose a textured or silicone-grip palm. This is the single biggest fix, especially in the wet.
• Get a snug fit. A glove that's too big bunches in the palm and slides; size down if you're between sizes.
• Keep gloves clean and dry. Sweat and dirt build up and reduce grip — wash them and let them dry fully.
• Replace a worn-smooth palm. Once the grip surface has gone shiny, it won't come back.
• Consider rubber or laced reins for far better wet-weather hold.

Do wet reins make gloves slip?

Yes — water is the main culprit. Rain, sweat, and a horse's slobber all turn smooth leather reins slick, and a plain glove palm simply can't hold them. A grippy palm helps a lot, grippier reins (rubber or laced) help more, and drying your hands and gloves before you mount makes a real difference.

When should you replace slipping gloves?

Replace them when the palm has gone smooth, shiny, or thin — grip won't return once the surface is worn. Worn or splitting finger seams are another sign a pair is past its best. Looking after gloves extends their grip; our care guide covers how to keep them in shape.

What to look for

If grip is your problem, choose a glove built around it. See our women's and men's guides, and the leather vs synthetic guide for how material affects wet grip.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my riding gloves slip?

Because the palm isn't gripping — usually because the reins are wet or sweaty, the glove palm is smooth or worn, or the glove is too big and bunching. It's almost always a palm-grip problem rather than a problem with your rein hold.

How do I get a better grip on the reins?

Use gloves with a textured or silicone palm, make sure they fit snugly so they don't bunch, and keep both gloves and reins clean and dry. Rubber or laced reins also give you more to hold onto, especially in wet weather.

Do wet reins cause gloves to slip?

Yes, water is the main cause. Rain, sweat, and slobber make smooth leather reins slick. A grippy glove palm, grippier reins such as rubber or laced, and drying your hands before mounting all help.

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