Spins, Slides, and Stops: Unveiling the World of Reining
If you've ever been awed by the sight of a horse performing spins, sliding stops, and rapid lead changes with seamless precision, then you've probably been watching reining.
Reining is more than just a sport - it's an art form that traces its roots back to the heritage of the American West. So, grab your cowboy hat and saddle up as we embark on a journey to discover more about this captivating equestrian discipline.
What is Reining?
Reining is a Western riding competition where riders guide horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. Think of it like figure skating but with horses. Originating from the working practices of cowboys handling cattle, reining places heavy emphasis on the horse's ability to make hard stops, quick turns, and swift changes in direction.
A Brief History of Reining
Reining's history stretches back to the Old West when quick and nimble horses were essential for ranch work. Cowboys needed their horses to be responsive, agile, and capable of sharp maneuvers to manage unruly cattle. These requirements gave rise to reining horses.
The popularity of reining as a competitive sport grew with the formation of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) in 1940, and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) in 1966. These associations established reining as a sport and set standardized rules and scoring systems.
Dale Wilkinson
You know how some people are just born to do what they do? Well, that was Dale Wilkinson, a legend in the world of reining. Folks affectionately called him the "father of reining.”
Wilkinson was born in 1920, in Findlay, Ohio, and it's like he came into this world with a passion for horses. He was practically a household name in the equestrian world, especially with reining.
From a young age, Dale showed the kind of dedication to horse riding that you don't see too often. He wasn't just passionate, he was relentless, working tirelessly to set up rules and techniques for the sport.
His efforts laid the foundation for reining as we know it today. In fact, when the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) was formed in 1966, Dale was right there at the forefront, as a charter member.
But Dale wasn't just about the rules and regulations. Oh no, he could walk the talk as well. He was a top-notch trainer and an accomplished rider. Dale was the first rider to ever win the NRHA Futurity event.
And he didn't stop there. His list of accolades also includes the AQHA World Championship, cementing his status as a respected figure in Western horse riding.
Dale Wilkinson wasn't just a pivotal figure in reining, he was reining. His legacy continues to shape the sport, inspiring riders all over the world.
Scoring and Reining Movements
Reining scores range from 0 to infinity, with 70 being the average. Each run starts at 70, and points are added or deducted based on the horse's performance. Scoring takes into account several factors such as the quality of the movements, speed, responsiveness to the rider, and the degree of difficulty.
Key Reining Maneuvers
Circles: Large fast and small slow circles, demonstrating a horse's control, willingness, and athleticism.
Spins: A horse spins 360 degrees or more, around its stationary inside hind leg.
Sliding stops: From a gallop, a horse abruptly comes to a complete stop with its hind feet sliding forward in the dirt.
Rollbacks: Following a sliding stop, a horse immediately turns 180 degrees and continues cantering.
Back up: The horse moves backward in a straight line for at least 10 feet.
Lead changes: Changing the leading legs at a canter during a figure-eight pattern.
Reining Horses
The quintessential reining horse is the American Quarter Horse, prized for its agility, speed, and "cow sense". These horses are compact and muscular, with a temperament that combines a calm disposition with a willingness to work. They possess a natural ability to "sit" on their hindquarters, an attribute essential for those spectacular sliding stops and spins.
Required Horse Tack and Equipment
Reining equipment underscores the Western roots of the sport. Here's what you typically need:
Western Saddle: This is designed for comfort during long hours of riding and includes a horn at the front.
Bridle: A western bridle without a noseband, often used with a curb bit.
Curb Bit: Unlike the English snaffle, a curb bit has a lever action and is used with a looser rein.
Reining Boots: These protect the horse's lower legs from injury during maneuvers like sliding stops.
Reining Competitions
Reining competitions, or shows, can range from small, local events to international championships.
Some of the top-level competitions include the NRHA Futurity and Derby, AQHA World Championship Show, and the FEI World Equestrian Games. At these events, riders and horses of all levels demonstrate their skill, agility, and connection, thrilling audiences with their precise and dynamic performances.
Final Thoughts
Reining truly embodies the spirit of the American West, combining the functionality necessary for ranch work with the flair of competitive performance. It's a testament to the incredible bond between horse and rider, and a celebration of equestrian athleticism at its finest.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.