Reining Trainer

Stemming from the roots of ranching, reining is a competition where ranch horses in a show pen are judged on their skills and athleticism as they perform one of twelve patterns. Horses begin the pattern with a score of 70 and judges can add or subtract ½ or 1 point from the horse’s score based on the execution of the technical maneuvers in the pattern. The patterns include performing tight circles, flying lead changes, fast 360-degree pivots, roll-backs, and sliding stops that are the trademark of reining horses.

Reining is a sport for all ages. Of the nearly 15,000 members of the Nation Reining Horse Association, 1,400 are youth members.

A key part of Reining is being able to give the horse the right cues to perform the maneuvers in the pattern. Riders need to be more experienced before learning these maneuvers. This experience includes learning how to work with and around horses as well as the basic positions in the saddle.

In both Western Pleasure and Reining, the horses are judged on their effortlessness, finesse, and smoothness as they perform maneuvers in the area. However, in Reining, horse and rider reach high speeds as they perform a pattern alone in a show pen whereas Western Pleasure horses compete together and respond to commands that mainly showcase the horse’s gait.

Trainers that specialize in Reining need to know the rider’s skill level in order to ensure that they could help you achieve your goals in this sport.