What is a reining horse?

A reining horse is a ranch-type horse that competes in or has training in, specific movements, including spins, rundowns, slides, lead changes, and speed control.  Many reining horses compete in judged reining horse competitions to show the horse's athletic ability.

Where did reining originate?

The horsemanship required to ride today’s reining horse originated from the first spanish cowboys, known as vaqueros. The vaquero’s job was to care for cattle and drive them across land for shipping and marketing. The original horses used for this job were smaller in stature, athletic, and exceptionally hardy to survive the long cattle drives. 

The best of today’s reining horses carry many of the same attributes of their ancestry. 

What is the purpose of reining?

Riding a reining horse combines equine athleticism with precise direction from the rider. Horses and riders invest hours of work and repetition in reaching a performance level in which they can enter competitions against others of similar competition levels. 

Many riders enjoy the challenge of riding and showing a reining horse.

What types of shows have reining?

You can find reining at many shows, local or national. The National Reining Horse Association hosts affiliate shows locally and national shows each year that include a futurity and derby.

You can also find reining at many AQHA and other breed specific shows across the nation.

Another show that hosts reining for professional riders is The American Performance Horseman. Teton Ridge recently launched this show and it brings the top 5 money earners in cutting, reined cowhorse, and reining together, pairs them in teams, to win a million dollars.

What do reining horses do in a pattern?

A horse and rider perform a series of maneuvers demonstrating the horse's athletic ability, obedience, and responsiveness to the rider's commands in a reining pattern.

The specific pattern and maneuvers required can vary depending on the level of competition and the governing organization. Still, generally, a reining pattern consists of a series of circles, lead changes, rollbacks, and spins. To see all of the reining patterns for NRHA shows, visit the NRHA Show Pattern booklet.

The horse must perform these maneuvers with precision and control, demonstrating its athleticism and responsiveness to the rider's cues.

The pattern above is AQHA’s Reining Pattern 1.

What is the average height of a reining horse?

Most reining horses are generally between 13.0 and 15.0 hands. The best horse athletes are not all the same height but have conformational similarities. Talented reining horses have strong backs, well-built hocks, a head and neck level with their back, straight legs, and willing attitudes.

Is reining bad for horses?

Reining can be challenging and rewarding for both horse and rider when done properly.

When riding and conditioning a reining horse, it is important to remember that the repetitive nature of reining maneuvers, particularly the sliding stops, can put a lot of stress on a horse's joints and lead to injuries if the horse is not conditioned properly.

That being said, reining can be a fun and beneficial activity for horses if done correctly and responsibly. It can help improve their physical fitness, balance, and coordination and can also provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment.

Why do reining horses spin?

The spin is one of the signature maneuvers in reining, and it requires a lot of skill and training to execute correctly.

How a horse spins in the reining has changed and varies greatly from how a cow horse executes a spin. Both spins originated from practical ranch work, where a horse may need to turn around quickly or herd cattle, but a reining spin is much more precise.

How much do reining horses cost?

The cost of a reining horse can vary widely depending on several factors, including the horse's age, training, bloodlines, and show record. Generally, reining horses that are well-bred, well-trained, and successful in competition can be quite expensive.

At the lower end of the price range, a young or untrained reining horse may cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to around $20,000. Horses with more training and experience can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Top-level show horses with a proven record of success can be very expensive, with prices ranging from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars or more.

It's worth noting that the cost of a reining horse is just one aspect of the total cost of owning and showing a horse. Additional expenses can include boarding, training, veterinary care, transportation, and entry fees for competitions. It's important to carefully consider all of these factors when budgeting for a reining horse, and to work with a trusted trainer or advisor to find a horse that fits both your budget and your needs.