An
Introduction to Reining
By Todd Martin
In addition to explaining
the fundamentals of reining, I would like to explain the required
maneuvers of the sport and how it is judged. At events such as stock
shows, many people not familiar with reining attend the horse events.
I hope that this article will give you some idea of what to look for
in the event of reining. I will break it down into the various maneuvers
and explain how each one should be performed. I won't explain all
of the penalties, but I will give you a brief overview.
CIRCLES
Patterns call for a combination of 3 circles loped in each direction,
including two fast cirlces and one small slow circle. The order of
fast and slow is dictated by the pattern being run. All circles should
be the same size. This means small, slow circles to the right should
be the same size and shape as the small, slow circles to the left.
This same rule applies to the large, fast circles. The horse should
also be willfully guided in the circles (as well as through out the
entire pattern). Deductions are given for a multitude of reasons,
including running off or resistance to the bit shown by an open, gaping
mouth.
STOPS
The stop is judged not only on the actual stop, but by the entire
approach--the stop, rollback, and departure. The approach should be
a gradual increase of speed ending with a complete stop. The horse
should willfully roll back over its hocks, loping off in the same
tracks. Deductions are given for a gaping mouth, running off in the
approach, falling out of stop (or not stopping), falling out of rollback
too soon, resistance in the rollback, and trotting into the lope.
LEAD
CHANGES
Lead changes are to be done in the center of the arena when the
pattern calls for it. Deductions are given for a late or early lead
change, refusal to change, kicking out in a lead change, and dragging
a lead change. Deductions also result from changing on the front but
taking two or more strides to change on the rear legs.
SPINS
Depending on the pattern, most will call for 4 spins in each direction
with the exception of a few calling for 4 ¼. The spin should start
off smoothly, with no resistance from the horse, and build speed.
The spins should stop with the horse facing the designated direction.
Penalties are given when the horse does not stop facing the designated
direction. If over or under spun by 1/8 of a spin then a penalty is
applied. If you over spin by more than ¼ then a 0 is applied to the
entire run. Penalties are also given for any hesitation by the horse
or freezing in its spins.
I hope
that this information will make reining more enjoyable for the first
time observer of the sport. For a more in-depth look at the rules
and point scale, please refer to an AQHA handbook or an NRHA rule/pattern
book.
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