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.
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