What is Reining

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. In NRHA competition, contestants are required to run one of eleven approved patterns, included in the NRHA Handbook. 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.