Discipline - Reining
Introduction to Reining
Reining originated from the moves that cattle horses adopt when on the job. Cattle were branded, sorted, and herded, often on open range. A good cowboy needed a quick and nimble horse, one that could change directions quickly, and stop "on a dime." The horse needed to be controlled mostly by legs and weight, ridden with only one hand and a light touch on the reins. Informal demonstrations of these ideal characteristics amongst ranch cowboys and vaqueros evolved into the sport of reining.
Today Reining is often equated to a Western form of dressage because it requires the horse to be responsive and in tune with its rider, whose aids should not be easily seen, and is judged on the horse's ability to perform a set pattern of movements. Designed to show the athletic ability of ranch type horse in the confines of a show arena, the relaxed attitude of both horse and rider belies the high level of skill and horsemanship needed to be successful in this electrifying sport.
Contestants are required to run one of ten approved patterns which include small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360 degree spins done in place, and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse. In 2000, the FEI approved Reining as its seventh discipline, the first Western discipline to achieve this status.
REQUIRED MOVEMENTS
The required movements are:
- Walk-in: brings the horse from the gate to the centre of the arena to begin its pattern; should appear relaxed and confident.
- Stop: 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.
- Spin: a series of 360-degree turns, executed over a stationary (inside) hind leg; location of hindquarters should be fixed at the start and maintained throughout the spin.
- Rollback: 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.
- Circle: 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 change: act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pairs, at a lope, when changing direction.
- Run-down and Run-around: demonstrate control and gradual increase of speed to the stop.
- Sliding Stop: the horse goes from a gallop immediately to a complete halt, planting its hind feet in the footing and allowing its hind feet to slide several feet, while continuing to let its front feet "walk" forward.
- Back or Backup: the horse backs up quickly for at least 10 feet. The horse must back in a perfectly straight line, stop when asked and hesitate a moment before the next movement.
Reining horses are judged individually. Each horse automatically begins the required pattern with a score of 70. One or 1/2 points are given or taken away for each maneuver. Credit is given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority. Controlled speed in the pattern raises the level of difficulty and makes the reining horse exciting to watch.
All competitors wear appropriate western attire including a long sleeve shirt with collar, cowboy boots and western hat or safety helmet. There is less difference between men's and women's attire in reining than in most western events, though women's clothing is often of brighter colors, and they are more apt to add a decorated jacket or vest, though usually not as flashy as in western pleasure or related events.
Freestyle
Freestyle reining allows a horse and rider team to incorporate reining movements into a musical routine, similar to the KUR Freestyle competition in Dressage, or even the freestyle events in human competitions like figure skating or gymnastics. Some freestyle reining competitions also allow the riders to ride bareback (without a saddle), or without a bridle, which, when allowed, increases the difficulty of the movements. The rider must include a specified number of maneuvers in a performance within a designated time. Circles, flying lead changes, spins, sliding stops, and rollbacks are all part of a reining freestyle.
THE HORSE
Any horse can perform in most Reining competitions but the American Quarter Horse is by far the most popular. The horse must be agile, quick, and very responsive to the rider's aids. Many breeds, such as Morgans and Arabs, have reining classes within their own specific breed shows as well as competing in open competitions.
