Horse Show Reining
Objective: Riders guide their horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins and stops, all at the lope or gallop; the highest score wins.
Reining maneuvers originated from moves that a cow horse must use in performing it's ranch duties and have been refined to a high level of competition Often compared to a western form of dressage, ideally the riders should have absolute control over their horse's every move with nearly invisible aids. The horse should move willingly with little or no resistance.
Scoring for each horse begins at 70, with points added or subtracted based on penalties or rewards. Points are added or subtracted in increments of .5, 1, and 1.5 for each of the 8 to 12 movements required in set pattern. The judges consider precision, smoothness and finesse when scoring a particular move. An ending score of 70 is an average grade, indicating the horse made no serious mistakes but didn't show any exceptional ability either. Any score below a 70 would indicate serious mistakes or flaws, while anything above an 80 would be considered extraordinary.
At the end of the ride, all riders must dismount and the bridle dropped and shown to the equipment judge for approval. If the equipment judge detects a cause, the rider will receive no score. Riders going off course will be disqualified.
Musical Freestyle - Freestyle reining not only provides an opportunity to use reining maneuvers creatively but also to expand them to music by means of choreography. There are specific required moves that riders are encouraged to set to a musical score that will best show off their horse's athletic ability. Costumes and props are permitted but not required. Some classes allow riders to compete without saddle or bridle; the degree of difficulty can earn the rider higher points if the moves are successfully completed.
