A Reining Primer MANY EQUEST RIANS MIGHT BE SU RPR ISED TO L EARN T H AT REINING IS OFT EN DESCR IBED AS WEST ERN DR ESSAGE .
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riginally, reining grew from the highly specialized movements that horses needed to learn to herd cattle. Now an FEI discipline since 2000, the first FEI World Reining Championship took place in 2002 during the FEI World Equestrian Games at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, when USA’s Shawn W. Flarida became the first world champion. Tim McQuay won gold and silver medals in Aachen, Germany in 2006. Tom McCutcheon won both individual and team gold medals on Gunners Special Nite at the 2010 event in Lexington, Ky. (See page 94.) Often described as Western dressage, reining is designed to show the athletic ability of ranch-type horses in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run one of 10 approved patterns, divided into seven or eight maneuvers, including small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360-degree spins, and what is generally considered the signature move of the reining horse, the sliding stop. Despite the seemingly relaxed attitude of both horse and rider and the loose reins typically used, reining demands high levels of concentration and riding skills, with smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness, and authority all being closely watched. RE Q U I RED MAN E UV E R S A N D HOW REI NI NG IS JUD G E D : CIRCLES Patterns call for a combination of
three circles ridden in each direction, including two fast circles and one small slow circle. The large fast circles are performed at a near gallop and the smaller circles more slowly. All circles should be the same size. There should be an easily seen change of speed as the rider transitions from the large, fast to the small, slow circles. Most circles incorporate changes of direction that require a flying change of lead. LEAD CHANGES While completing a change
at speed can improve one’s score, precision is the most important factor in judging. A horse taking more than one stride to complete the
change, or a horse that changes early, late, or that changes only the front feet and not the hind feet will be penalized. SPINS While reining patterns vary, most
require four spins in each direction. Beginning from a standstill, the horse spins 360 degrees or more (up to 4 1/4 full turns) in place around its stationary inside hind leg. The hind pivot foot remains in essentially the same location throughout the spin, though the horse will pick it up and put it down as it turns. Spins are judged on correctness, smoothness, and cadence. Speed adds to the difficulty and will improve the score of a correctly done spin. RUN DOWN The horse gallops or runs along REINING PATTERNS The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) defines 10 reining patterns that can be used in sanctioned competition, as well as an 11th pattern for 10-and-under youth (“shor t stirrup”) events. Each pattern is a variation on a set number of required maneuvers, including large fast circles, small slow circles, spins in both directions, flying lead changes, roll backs, sliding stops, and back up. All of these patterns are to be completed one-handed in an approved NRHA bit. (This is Pattern 4.) 1. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right: the first two large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate. 2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate. 3. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate. 4. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate. 5. Beginning on the right lead, run a large fast circle to the right, change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fast circle to the left, and change leads at the center of the arena (a figure eight). 6. Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of the circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback—no hesitation. 7. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback—no hesition. 8. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena, or at least 10 feet. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.
the length of the arena and builds up speed preparing for the stopping maneuver. STOP The horse accelerates to a gallop and
then suddenly, upon command, immediately commits his hind legs to the ground while continuing to let its front feet walk forward, creating the sliding stop. The back should become round or rounded up as the hind quarters come well underneath. A particularly powerful stop may, depending on arena conditions, produce flying dirt and an exciting cloud of dust. The movement should finish in a straight line, and the horse’s position should not change. Like spins, this movement is a crowd favorite. ROLL BACK After halting from a sliding stop, the horse immediately and without hesitation performs a 180-degree turn, and immediately goes forward again into a lope. The horse must turn on its hindquarters, bringing its hocks well under, and the motion should be continuous with no hesitation. HESITATE OR PAUSE The horse is asked to
stand still for a few seconds to “settle” between certain movements in the reining pattern, particularly after spins. A horse that shows displeasure when asked to wait will receive a maneuver score reduction.
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