Exhibitors in a reining class individually perform a specified pattern.
The generally accepted guidelines for reining set forth by the National Reining Horse Association are as follows:
- To rein a horse is not only to guide it but also to control its 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 its 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 the deviation.
- 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 the horse more exciting and pleasing to watch to an audience.
Below is a video of Shawn Flarida’s NRBC (National Reining Breeders Cup) 2011 Open Classic Champion run!, which is an excellent example of what to look for in a reining horse.
Class Procedures
During the performance of the specified pattern, exhibitors are required to perform specific maneuvers while striving to achieve the level of performance described above. These maneuvers include:
- Circles
- large fast circles
- small slow circles
- Lead changes
- Spins
- Sliding stops
- Rollbacks
- Backup
Circles
Circles are performed in a specified location of the arena maintaining a common center point. There should be a distinct difference between the size and speed of the large fast circles and small slow circles. During circles, the horse should exhibit control and a willingness to be guided by the rider.
Circles Video
Lead Changes
Lead changes are the front and hind legs’ change of leads performed at the canter during a change of direction in the pattern. The horse should exhibit control and precision when changing leads.
Spins
Spins are consecutive 360-degree turns, ideally with the inside hind leg remaining stationary. While remaining in one location, the horse should exhibit cadence, smoothness, and speed during spins.
Spins Video
Sliding Stop Video
Sliding Stops
Sliding stops are the change of speed from a canter to a stop position while traveling in a straight line. During sliding stops, the horse should move freely with its front legs while the hind legs are positioned under the body, maintaining contact with the ground during the slide.
Rollbacks
Rollbacks are the 180-degree turn over the hocks which are executed as a fluid continuation of the movement from a sliding stop. Upon completion of a rollback, the horse should continue the motion directly into a canter.
Rollbacks Video
Backup
The backup is the backward or reverse movement of the horse, executed swiftly in a straight line.
Scoring
Scoring is 0 to infinity, with 70 being an average score.
Maneuver Score
Each maneuver indicated in the pattern receives a maneuver score of +1½ to -1½ with half point increments and 0 indicating an average maneuver. The following are the general guidelines used to determine appropriate maneuver scores:
Maneuver Score
+1½ Excellent
+1 Very Good
+½ Good
0 Correct / Average
-½ Poor
-1 Very Poor
-1½ Extremely Poor
Penalties
- Common penalty points are 5, 2, 1, and ½.
- Points are also deducted for being on the incorrect lead:
- at the end of the arena when performing a rundown (1 to 2 points)
- while performing circles (½ to 4 points)
- Exhibitors may also receive 0 scores and no scores. These are generally reserved for instances such as breaking pattern, breaking rules, or abuse of the animal.
- Judges and exhibitors should refer to desired association for specific guidelines, rules, patterns, and score sheets.
Resources
