What is Reining?

Reining is a western riding competition where the riders guides the horse through a precise pattern of manuevers including, but not limited to, circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (a slow, relaxed version of the horse gait more commonly known worldwide as the canter), or the gallop (the fastest of the horse gaits). Originating from working cattle, reining is often described as a western form of dressage, as it requires the horse to be responsive and in tune with its rider, whose aids should not be easily seen.  Judging is based on the horse's ability to perform a set pattern of movements. The horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. A horse that pins his ears, conveying a threat to his rider, refuses to go forward, runs sideways, bounces his rear, wrings his tail in irritation or displays an overall poor attitude is not being guided willingly, and is judged accordingly.

Do I need a special breed of horse to join the SMRHA?

Absolutely not!  Reining may be attempted by any breed of horse, but the Stock horse breeds, particularly the American Quarter Horse, dominate the field. The reining horse must be agile, quick, and very responsive to the rider's commands. Powerful hindquarters are required to hold position in a sliding stop or a rollback. Excellent coordination is required for proper spins and flying lead changes. Correct leg conformation is essential, as the limbs and joints are often under considerable stress in competition. The horse must also have an excellent temperament to perform with both speed and precision. 

Is Reining right for me and my horse? 

Only you can answer for yourself.   A trained eye can help you evaluate your horse, but in the end it is up to you.

It  is our sincere hope that after you have attended some of our reining horse events and met our members that you will answer "Yes" and come be a part of the excitement.