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Ridin' and slidin' -- the reining horse runs a precise
pattern at speed. This equine athlete excels at galloping full out, screeching to a
sliding stop, and whirling in a high-speed pirouette. He responds to his rider instantly,
at the touch of rein or leg. The sport demonstrates the skills of a ranch horse, with
contests that have been dubbed "Western dressage" sponsored by the National
Reining Horse Association (NRHA). In the show pen, the reining horse performs a series of
maneuvers as specified in one of 10 patterns. Horses also |
compete in breed-specific contests, following
patterns similar to those developed by NRHA. Competitions of the NRHA are capped by the
prestigious Futurity. Every December in Oklahoma City, hundreds of three-year-olds compete
for the top prize of more than $100,000.
| Reining is possibly the most demanding discipline.
Champion reiners perform brilliantly at speed on a loose rein. The horse is under complete
control, responding to minimal cues from the rider. These athletes perform in the rundown,
galloping on a straight line, then halt in a rollback or the spectacular sliding stop.
Patterns also require backing up fast and straight. Horses lope small, slow
circles and gallop large, fast circles, with flying lead |
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canges at the centers of figure eights. In the
circles, they "shut off" in transitions from fast to slow, or move out from lope
to gallop. In the spin, also called the turnaround, riders seek a horse that will
"spin a hole in the ground." The horse plants a hind foot and sweeps the
forehand in a series of circles. The best performers crouch to pivot flat. |
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