Slide Into Kentucky With The Reiners: Basics Of Reining at the World Equestrian Games

I promised earlier this week that I was going to do the next WEG discipline profile on dressage. The thing is, I already did it, and just forgot. So go read the WEG dressage overview I already posted if you are interested.

In the meantime, let’s move on to reining! It seems appropriate, because I tend to think of reining as the dressage of the western world anyway. I love to watch reining, so I’m thrilled to do a little research and learn more about the ins and outs of this sport. It’s one of the western disciplines that most interests me. I’d love to try it sometime! So without further ado …

Reining shows off the athletic ability of  ranch horses in the show arena as they “run” one of several approved patterns. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, 360 degree spins done in place, back ups and the exciting sliding stops that are the signature move of the reining horse. Here are the details of reining competition and WEG specifically.

What To Look For In A Great Reining Pattern

A great reining horse looks supremely relaxed, with crisp changes between movements, long droopy reins, and a happy attitude. While he makes it look easy, it’s a highly challenging test of both horse and rider. As with most equestrian disciplines, the good ones just don’t show how hard they’re actually working.

The USEF describes the required movements of the reining pattern:

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 hind quarters 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.

Watch RC Fancy Step, the quarter horse at the top of the US reining team demonstrate for you:

Each horse is scored individually. They begin with a score of 70, and then either gain or lose 1 or 1/2 of a point for each maneuver. Credit is given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority. Higher speeds and greater precision up the difficulty and are required to compete at the highest levels.

Crowds are not only welcomed but encouraged to get involved and root for their favorite riders and moves. Whooping and hollering are a huge part of the reining performance.

Reining at the 2010 World Equestrian Games

2010 WEG reining will kick-off with two days of team competition, at the end of which medals will be awarded for the top scoring nations.

The top 15 riders after the team competition will automatically move on to the individual finals. The next 20 top scoring riders will then have a chance to ride off in a “second chance” round for the remaining 5 spots in the final.

The reining event will conclude with a freestyle exhibition.

All About The Disciplines

• Para Dressage
• Eventing
• Combined Driving
• Jumping
• Dressage
• Reining
• Endurance
• Vaulting