Now I'll admit I don't clean my tack as often as I should, but when I do I usually strip it right down & I pay attention to what I'm doing. Which is just as well because yesterday I found a fairly deep slit in one of my reins quite near the buckle. It seems solid no matter how hard I tug it, but nevertheless a new pair have been ordered - annoying when they're quite expensive Jeffries ones & less than a year old - and an old but sound pair dug out of storage until they arrive. They probably would hold, but knowing it's there I don't trust them. So please be aware that tack does get damaged as well as wear & take a few extra seconds to check it. It could save a nasty accident.