Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of
a
ranch type
horse in the confines of a show arena.
In NRHA competition, contestants are required to run one of ten approved
patterns. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles,
flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins done
in place, and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the
reining horse.
"To rein a horse
is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement.
The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with
little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement
on his own must be considered a lack of control. All deviations
from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of or temporary
loss of control; and therefore, a fault that must be marked down according
to severity of deviation. After deducting all faults set here
within, against execution of the pattern and the horse's overall performance,
credit should be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness
and authority of performing various maneuvers, while using controlled
speed which raises the difficulty level and makes him more exciting
and pleasing to watch to an audience."
'A
Pocket Handbook for Reiners' prepared for the NRHA by Mario Boisjoli,
will answer most of your reining questions
