Reining

[Liz E.]

Hey guys, today I saw my first rodeo-thing.(Lol) And though I've watched it on TV, it was my first time watching a reining competition in person! It was mesmorizing! I know 0(zero) about Reining, so can someone educate me on it? I know it's like 'Western Dressage', but what are the names for the diff. movements?

Thanks,
Liz

[horselover]

I love reining!

I have to go somewhere right now, but I saw this and couldn't resist answering quick...either I will get back with more later or someone else will post.

rollback- horse turns 180 degrees to go other direction;executed at at a canter

sliding stop- horse gallops then tucks hindquarters underneath and slides to a halt, i know that soem slides can be 20 to 25 feet long

spin- horse does a tight spin very quickly, ratoating on one hind leg, depends on whether clockwise or counter for which leg.

A good reining horse is a wonder to ride or watch. I went to a horse camp, and the advanced instructor was Chuck Swain, who is a trainer of champion rodeo horses. I learned SO much from him- what a great teacher! And what an amazing rider!! He had the most gorgeous palomino QH, Rascal Jack, who was amazing to watch in action!

[Liz E.]

Thanks, horselover! It really is an amazing sport. This one pair kept practicing their spins in the practice arena, and they ended up doing it better than anyone else. My fav are the sliding stops! (Wow about the lengths!)

How are reiners scored?

[Edited by Liz E. on 22nd Apr 2001 at 01:56 AM]

[Epona UK]

Reiner are scored between 0 - 100, with 70 being the average. When a competitor enters the arena they have a score of 70, each movement is scored between -1.5 to +1.5 with 0 being an average mark. There are also penalties for mistakes, eg. a 1 point penalty is given for each quarter of a circle out of lead.
It sounds more complicated that it really is.

[horselover]

Liz E.
Sorry for not replying to you! Forsome reason, I never saw this! But at least you have the answer now, and that's what counts!

[Liz E.]

lol, np! I had a few other q's for anyone(but probably outrider) but I guess this is just a forgotten thread! ;) Anyway, I asked some people at my barn. Never realized how cool reining is!! :D

[horselover]

definately cool. if you ever get a chance to try it, make sure you do. It's so awesome!

[Ponymom]

I know what you are talking about - reiners are cool. If you try one, you will want one. I am on my second and he is just wonderful! He's dead broke and so much fun to ride. But they are high maintenance - sliders are expensive (and difficult) to have made and required every 5-6 weeks. Also, you pay a lot for a reiner. It's not just the breeding of a fantastically athletic horse, but the years of training that go into getting that sliding stop, even spin, or perfect circle all on a loose rein. But you have to keep the horse "tuned up" or you will lose it all. That means riding in an arena with good footing. And they need to be ridden almost every day. I know a few barrel racers who send their babies to reining training in their 3rd year. That extra training pays off because the horse learns the basics really well. I guess it would help any horse, really. If you really want a thrill, try to rent a AQHA Freestyle Reining video. In this class, they perform all the movements to music and in costume. It is so entertaining!