The Discipline
The complete guide to the discipline: origins, maneuvers, categories, scoring and rules. Everything you need to know about reining.
Reining is a western equestrian discipline that represents the essence of American equestrian tradition. It stems from the cowboys' need to have agile, fast, and perfectly controllable horses for cattle work.
According to the IRHA (Italian Reining Horse Association) rulebook, to rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance.
Any movement made by the horse of its own accord must be considered a lack of control. Any deviation from the pattern will be penalized according to the severity of the deviation. Horse and rider must operate in perfect harmony, demonstrating total control with no evident aids from the rider.
Reining is often described as "western dressage" due to the precision required and the necessary technical perfection. It is one of the few western equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) at the Olympic level.
In Reining, riders are divided into two main macro-categories based on their professional relationship with horseback riding:
Classified as "professional riders" are all athletes who receive compensation from equestrian activities in any form.
Considered a Professional Athlete is anyone who:
Category open to all professional riders with no earnings limitations.
Highest LevelIntermediate category for professionals with specific earnings under NRHA rules.
Intermediate LevelCategory for professionals with limited earnings under NRHA parameters.
Base ProFor professionals with early competitive experiences.
Rookie ProFor professionals working with young or training horses.
SpecializationClassified as "non-professional riders" are all athletes who DO NOT receive compensation from equestrian activities in any form and can only ride owned horses.
"Immediate family" includes: husband, wife, parents, step-parents, child, brother/sister, step-brother/sister, uncle/aunt, nephew/niece, grandparent, parent-in-law, brother/sister-in-law, son/daughter-in-law, and cohabitant (with proof of residence).
Category open to all non-professional riders.
Owned HorseIntermediate category with earnings according to NRHA rules.
Owned HorseFor riders with lifetime earnings below $10,000.
Lifetime < $10.000For early experience non-professional riders.
BeginnersCategory for non-professionals riding young horses.
Young Horses| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Repurchase of sold horse | Cannot participate in NON PRO events before 180 days from the sale date |
| Switch from PRO to NON PRO | Must not have trained or ridden third-party horses for 3 consecutive years. Request via FISE/IRHA |
| Federal NON PRO Technicians | Can ONLY give lessons to immediate family and NOT be on the technical grid of federal centers |
| Category | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| YOUTH 14-18 | 14-18 years | Anyone turning 19 after Jan 1st can participate for the current season |
| YOUTH 13 & UNDER | Under 13 years | Anyone turning 14 after Jan 1st can participate for the current season |
| SHORT STIRRUP | Youth Category | Introductory category for the little ones |
| ENTRY LEVEL YOUTH | Youth Category | First competitive youth level |
Underage riders (under 18) must:
Category reserved for women, open to both professionals and non-professionals according to their respective qualifications.
Patterns are predetermined sequences of maneuvers that horse and rider must perform during competition. Each pattern is numbered and codified by the NRHA (National Reining Horse Association).
All official NRHA patterns are divided into 7 or 8 maneuver groups. Each pattern specifies the exact order of maneuvers, their location in the arena, and the required execution characteristics.
Each pattern is composed of a combination of the following fundamental maneuvers:
The horse enters the arena at a walk, from the gate to the center. He must appear relaxed and confident. Any action creating the appearance of intimidation is penalized.
Horses must jog the majority of the way to the center of the arena. Failure to comply results in a score of 0.
The act of slowing the horse from a lope to a stopped position. The horse brings his hind legs under him in a sliding motion, rounding his back while maintaining forward movement with his front feet. During the sliding stop, the horse must continue in a straight line.
A series of 360° turns executed over a stationary inside hind leg. Propulsion is supplied by the outside rear leg and front legs. The hind leg should remain fixed throughout the turns, with cadence, attitude, smoothness, speed, and finesse.
A 180° reversal of forward motion completed by executing a stop, turning the shoulders back in the opposite direction over the hocks, and departing in a lope. It is a continuous motion with no hesitation.
Maneuvers executed at a lope of designated size and speed. There must be a clearly defined difference in speed and size between small/slow circles and large/fast circles.
A reverse motion in a straight line for a required minimum distance of 10 feet. It must be executed smoothly and with no hesitation.
Demonstrates the horse's ability to stand in a relaxed manner in a specific area. All patterns require a hesitation upon completion to indicate to the judge that the pattern is finished.
The change must take place without changing gait or speed, in a specific area of the pattern, and within a single stride to avoid penalties.
Run Down: runs along the length of the arena to the far end. Must demonstrate control and gradual build of speed to the stop. Run Around: circular path maintaining at least 10 feet from either side of the center of the arena.
Score ranges from 0 to infinity — 70 denotes an average performance.
Each maneuver is evaluated individually by the judge in half-point increments:
| Evaluation | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | +1½ | Maneuver executed exceptionally |
| Very Good | +1 | Maneuver executed very well |
| Good | +½ | Maneuver executed well |
| Average | 0 | Maneuver correct with no degree of difficulty |
| Poor | -½ | Maneuver with minor imperfections |
| Very Poor | -1 | Maneuver with obvious mistakes |
| Extremely Poor | -1½ | Maneuver executed extremely poorly |
Base Score (70) + Sum of maneuver evaluations − Penalties
Penalties are divided into several categories depending on the severity of the mistake. They range from small half-point deductions up to total disqualification (No Score).
| Type | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NO SCORE — Disqualification | ||
| No Score | NS | Infraction of state or federal laws concerning horses |
| No Score | NS | Abuse of the horse in or prior to the exhibition |
| No Score | NS | Use of prohibited tack (wire on bits, bosals, curb chains) |
| No Score | NS | Use of illegal bits, bosals, or curb chains |
| No Score | NS | Use of tack collars, tie downs, or nose bands |
| No Score | NS | Use of whips or bats |
| No Score | NS | Equipment that alters tail movement or circulation |
| No Score | NS | Belly bands or materials hiding them |
| No Score | NS | Refusal to dismount for tack inspection |
| No Score | NS | Misconduct or disrespect of the competitor |
| No Score | NS | Closed reins not allowed (except specific categories) |
| No Score | NS | Use of Bluetooth earpieces or electronics (unless Special Event) |
| ZERO SCORE | ||
| Score 0 | 0 | More than one finger between the reins (except index/first finger) |
| Score 0 | 0 | Use of two hands (except Snaffle Bit, Hackamore, or 2-hand classes) |
| Score 0 | 0 | Changing hands on reins (except in classes that allow it) |
| Score 0 | 0 | Improper use of the romal |
| Score 0 | 0 | Failure to complete pattern as written |
| Score 0 | 0 | Performing maneuvers out of order or out by more than 1/4 circle |
| Score 0 | 0 | Backing more than 4 steps when not required |
| Score 0 | 0 | Turning more than 90° when not required |
| Score 0 | 0 | Stopping before first marker during a run-in pattern |
| Score 0 | 0 | Horse balking or refusing command delaying pattern execution |
| Score 0 | 0 | Jogging over 1/2 circle or 1/2 length of arena |
| Score 0 | 0 | Over spinning more than 1/4 turn |
| Score 0 | 0 | Fall to the ground by horse or rider |
| Score 0 | 0 | Dropping a rein that contacts the ground while horse is in motion |
| Score 0 | 0 | Improper western attire |
| 5 POINT PENALTIES | ||
| Penalty | -5 | Spurring in front of the cinch |
| Penalty | -5 | Use of either hand to instill fear or praise |
| Penalty | -5 | Holding saddle with either hand (except specific classes) |
| Penalty | -5 | Horse dropping to its knees or hocks |
| Penalty | -5 | Blatant disobedience (kicking, biting, bucking, rearing) |
| 2 POINT PENALTIES | ||
| Penalty | -2 | Break of gait (jog or walk) |
| Penalty | -2 | Freeze up in spins or rollbacks |
| Penalty | -2 | Walk-in entry: horse lopes and doesn't stop before departure |
| Penalty | -2 | Run-in entry: not at a lope prior to first marker |
| Penalty | -2 | Failure to go past marker before initiating a stop |
| Penalty | -2 | Wrong lead: over half the short wall or completely missing change |
| 1 POINT PENALTIES | ||
| Penalty | -1 | Wrong lead: per each 1/4 circle on wrong lead |
| Penalty | -1 | Delayed lead change by more than one stride |
| Penalty | -1 | Over/Under spinning by a quarter turn |
| Penalty | -1 | Wrong lead down to the middle of the short wall |
| ½ POINT PENALTIES | ||
| Penalty | -½ | Starting circles at a jog/trot (up to 2 strides) |
| Penalty | -½ | Jogging exiting a rollback (up to 2 strides) |
| Penalty | -½ | Over/Under spinning by 1/8 of a turn |
| Penalty | -½ | Stop/Rollback: horse within 20 feet of the fence |
| Penalty | -½ | Run around: failure to stay 10 feet from center |
| Penalty | -½ | One stride delay in lead change |
| Penalty | -½ | Horse severely stumbling |
| OTHER SANCTIONS | ||
| Fine | $25 | Back number not correctly displayed |
Judges can use video review to verify major penalties. The procedure dictates:
Failure to wear proper western attire results in a SCORE 0
| Item | Specifications | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt | Long sleeved with collar, western style | YES |
| Western Hat | Traditional western hat | YES (except under 18) |
| Safety Helmet | Approved riding helmet | YES (mandatory under 18) |
| Vest / Back Protector | Back protection per FISE rules | ✅ YES (mandatory under 18) |
| Boots | Western boots with heel | YES |
| Western Saddle | Western type saddle | YES |
Two-handed use allowed
Rings:O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring — NO larger than 4 inches, NO smaller than 2 inches.
Mouthpiece:round, smooth metal, uncovered. Minimum diameter 5/16 inch.
Curb strap:Leather optional — Chain NOT accepted.
Two-handed use allowed
One-handed use required
| Category/Class | Hands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SNAFFLE BIT classes | 1 or 2 hands | Hand switching possible during pattern |
| BOSAL/HACKAMORE classes | 1 or 2 hands | Hand switching possible during pattern |
| GREEN, Entry Level, Ride & Slide | 1 or 2 hands | Hand switching possible at any time |
| PARAREINING | 1 or 2 hands | Hand switching possible at any time |
| All other categories | ONLY 1 HAND | Changing hands = SCORE 0 |
Mandatory Post-Run Procedure:
The Reining world offers numerous competitive opportunities at the national and international levels, organized by IRHA, FISE, and NRHA.
Reserved for riders and horses with early competitive experiences.
Qualifying categories:
For Intermediate level horses and riders.
Qualifying categories:
The highest competitive national level, with NRHA approved finals.
Categories:
Reserved for 3-year-old horses in all categories.
Age: 3 yearsReserved for 4-year-old horses in OPEN and NON PRO categories.
Age: 4 yearsDedicated to horses in their phase of maximum maturity.
Age: 5-8 yearsFor older, experienced horses showing longevity and consistent performance.
Age: 9+ yearsPrestigious European competition organized by the NRHA.
InternationalEuropean-level Derby with international participation.
InternationalAll national and international Special Events organized in Italy must be approved by IRHA/FISE and NRHA. Competitions with Added Money greater than $2,500 total or $1,000 per category require mandatory NRHA approval.
Source:IRHA (Italian Reining Horse Association) Rulebook — 2025 Edition
For official information:www.irha.it | www.nrha.com
© 2025 — All patterns are copyright NRHA 2025