Abstract: The present invention is an improved horse rein with a main leather rein member and a hook stud assembly. The main leather rein member has a hook stud area located between the bit end and the hand end. The hook stud assembly is a heterogeneous structure with: (i.) the hook stud area of the main rein member being a leather base; (ii.) a hook stud having a stem and a hook stud base, with the hook stud base being located on the leather base; (iii.) a synthetic fabric reinforcement layer atop the base and atop the hook stud base. The synthetic fabric reinforcement layer has an orifice thereon through which the hook stud stem passes. It is preferably formed of nylon; and (iv.) a leather backing atop the synthetic fabric reinforcement layer and having an orifice thereon through which the hook stud stem passes. The assembly is permanently attached to one another, e.g. by stitching. In other embodiments, plural hook studs are used, with and without a synthetic fabric interlayer.