2007 USEF Open Reining Qualifyer Champion:

MISS MOTH MONEY shown by Casey Hinton, owned by Brad Lieblong of Jonesboro, AR

2007 USEF Youth Reining Qualifyer High Point:

DUNCANS DUN IT shown by Lacey Vernon, owned by Gordon & Julie May of Elizabeth, CO

The Western horseman's hottest event, reining is a virtual rising star in the horse industry. It is an event where winning a single championship at a national competition can make a horse and trainer the buzz of the entire industry.

Reining is the newest event on the slate of activities to be added to Olympic competition. Winners from the National Western's USEF Qualifier earn the opportunity to attend the USEF Reining Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park with the chance to go on to represent the United States on the US Equestrian Team at events like the World Equestrian Games in Germany, and the FEI World Reining Masters Finals in Denver.

What is Reining?

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type horse in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run one of several approved patterns, which include small, slow circles, large, fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins and sliding stops.

Reining competitions take place within an arena. In the arena, markers are used to enable riders to better follow pattern proportions. Because of the nature of the sport, reining requires special footing to allow top performance and ensure soundness, much the same as jumpers require well-designed courses. The ideal footing is typically a clay base with a combination of sand and silt as a loose topping.

Competitors in reining events range in age, and are from a variety of backgrounds. Reining competitions can be found all over the world. Reining horses can be of any breed, sex, color or size. All riders must wear appropriate western attire while showing. Reining rules are established by the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), the governing body of the sport of reining since 1966.

Using a highly objective scoring system, the NRHA set the standards for reining competition. Reining horses are judged individually as they complete one of several specified patterns. One or more judges will score each horse between 0 and infinity, with 70 denoting an average score. Each horse automatically begins the pattern with a 70. The scoring system then gives or takes away up to 1.5 points on each maneuver. In scoring, credit is given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority when performing the various maneuvers. Controlled speed in the pattern raises the level of difficulty and makes the reining horse exciting to watch.

Reining maneuvers originated from moves that a cow horse must use in performing its duties, and have been refined to the high level of competition existing today. The NRHA has approved 10 reining patterns. All patterns are divided into seven or eight maneuvers. The required movements are: walk-ins, stops, spins, rollbacks, circles, hesitations, lead changes, run-downs/run-arounds.

• Walk-In: Brings the horse from the gate to the center of the arena to begin its pattern; should appear relaxed and confident.
• Stops: The act of slowing the horse from a lope to a stop position by bringing the hind legs under the horse in a locked position sliding on the hind feet.
• Spins: A series of 360-degree turns, executed over a stationary hind leg; location of hind quarters should be fixed at the start and maintained throughout the spin.
• Rollbacks: A 180-degree reversal of forward motion completed by running to a stop, turning the shoulders back to the opposite direction and departing at a canter, as a continuous motion.
• Circles: Done at the lope, of designated size and speed; demonstrates control, willingness to guide and degree of difficulty in speed and speed changes.
• Hesitate: Act of demonstrating horse's ability to stand in a relaxed manner at a designated time in the pattern; horse should be motionless and relaxed.
• Lead changes: Act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pairs, at a lope, when changing direction.
• Run-downs and Run-arounds: Demonstrate control and gradual increase of speed to the stop.
  

The United States Equestrian Federation is the national governing body for international competitive equestrian sport and the U.S. affiliate of the international governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale.

A non-profit organization, the USEF selects, trains, equips, finances and promotes equestrians of the highest possible standard to represent our country in major international competition, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. In doing so, the USEF seeks out and nurtures the development of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest potential.

Athletes representing the U.S. have achieved outstanding success over the last four decades. By winning world championships in show jumping, eventing, endurance riding and combined driving, the U.S. has positioned itself among the world's elite equestrian powers. An impressive 27 Olympic and 61 Pan American Games medals in dressage, show jumping and eventing give U.S. equestrians a record of which the entire country can be proud.

Find out more about this effort and learn how to support our U.S. athletes by clicking on: www.usef.org

Additional Links:
Federation Equestre Internationale: www.horsesports.org
National Reining Horse Association: www.nrha.com