The Fast Sport of Reining

Reining is a riding discipline that originated in the west when ranchers had to work with large herds of cattle.  Animals had to be moved from one area to another.  Sorting, branding and doctoring were other activities that had to be accomplished.  Cowboys had to be able to count on their equine partners; therefore, horses that were easy to work with, athletic and had a desire to work cattle became the most popular mounts.  Because cattle had to be sorted out of the herd, a horse had to be able to spin quickly, slide to a stop, and roll back across its hocks in order to change direction almost instantly.  The cowboy’s horse had to be able to do these things with the lightest of aids so that the rider could concentrate on the task at hand.  Soon ranchers were competing amongst themselves, and after a time, larger competitions began to take place.

Reining classes include different patterns which show the horses natural abilities to lope or canter in a small and large circle, changing pace readily and easily, just like a horse and rider would have to do when chasing a cow.  Flying lead changes, along with sliding stops, and rollbacks must be executed using the lightest of cues.  Surly behavior, on the part of the horse, causes a drop in the score during a competition.

The movements that the horse must execute are explained in more detail here.  They include eight to twelve actions: 

Circles:  Large circles are executed at a full gallop, slow small circles at a canter.  The transition from slow to fast must be done on the center line of the circle and must be almost indiscernible.  Flying lead changes are also executed on the center line, and the horse’s stride must not change.

Rundown:  A full gallop along the long side of the arena, approximately 20 feet away from the rail, must be demonstrated along with a sliding stop and a 180 degree turn called a rollback. 

Sliding Stop:  The horse gathers speed to a full gallop and then comes to a complete stop, sliding his hind feet while giving the appearance of sitting down.  His feet slide for up to 30 feet or more while the front feet continue to walk forward until the horse is totally stopped.  The horse should finish stopping while his or her body is still in a straight line.

Backup:  The horse is required to back on a straight line for at least 10 feet. 

Rollback:  The horse slides to a stop and then without hesitation rolls on the inside or outside hind leg performing a 180 degree turn, depending on the pattern.  The horse must then jump forward into the lope or canter.  The movement is a continuous fluid motion, and there can be no hesitation on the part of the horse.

Spins:  The horse stands in one spot, and while planting the inside hind leg, and then spins 360 degrees.  Four and a quarter turns in each direction are the maximum number allowed without penalty.  The pivot foot stays in this position moving only enough to allow the horse to complete the circle.

Pause:  At certain points throughout the routine, a horse will be asked to pause or “settle.”  Horses that show impatience or misbehave are penalized.

The fast sport of reining is as exciting to watch as it is to ride, and the fact that prize money is often given to the winners in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) sanctioned shows, has made it a very popular sport.  

Author:  D. Overman