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451. REINING

(a) Any one of the eleven AQHA-approved reining patterns

may be used and is to be selected by the judge of the class and used

by all contestants in the class.

(b) Each contestant will perform the required pattern individually

and separately. All horses will be judged immediately upon

entering the arena and judging will cease after the last maneuver. Any

fault incurred prior to the commencement of a pattern will be scored

accordingly.

(c) 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 and dictated to

completely. Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of

control. All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered

a lack of or temporary loss of control, and therefore faulted

according to severity of deviation. Credit will be given for smoothness,

finesse, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various

maneuvers while using controlled speed.

(d) Scoring will be on the basis of 0-Infinity, with 70 denoting

an average performance.

(e) The following will result in no score:

(1) Abuse of an animal in the show arena and/or evidence

that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the exhibition of

a horse in competition;

(2) Use of illegal equipment, including wire on bits, bosals

or curb chains;

(3) Use of illegal bits, bosals or curb chains; when using a

snaffle bit, optional curb strap is acceptable; however, curb chains are

not acceptable.

(4) Use of tack collars, tie downs or nose bands;

(5) Use of whips or bats;

(6) Use of any attachment which alters the movement of or

circulation to the tail;

(7) Failure to provide horse and equipment to the appropriate

judge for inspection;

(8) Disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor

(9) Closed reins are not allowed except as standard romal

reins.

(f) A rider may untangle excess rein, where excess rein may prevent

the rider from continuing the pattern, where said excess can be

straightened without affecting the performance of the horse, during

hesitations, or when settling a horse; rider’s free hand may be used to

hold romal in the normal fashion.

(g) The following will result in a score of 0:

(1) Use of more than index or first finger between reins;

(2) Use of two hands (exception in Junior, Snaffle Bit, or

Hackamore classes designated for two hands) or changing hands;

(3) Use of romal other than as outlined in 443(e);

(4) Failure to complete pattern as written:

(5) Performing the maneuvers other than in specified order;

(6) The inclusion of maneuvers not specified, including,

but not limited to

(A) Backing more than 2 strides

(B) Turning more than 90 degrees

(7) Equipment failure that delays completion of pattern;

including dropping a rein that contacts the ground while horse is in

motion.

(8) Balking or refusal of command where pattern is delayed;

(9) Running away or failing to guide where it becomes

impossible to discern whether the entry is on pattern;

(10) Jogging in excess of one-half circle or one-half the

length of the arena;

(11) Overspins of more than 1/4 turn;

(12) Fall to the ground by horse or rider

Neither a No Score nor a 0 are eligible to place in a go round or class,

but a 0 may advance in a multi-go event while a no score may not.

(h) The following will result in a reduction of five points:

(1) Spurring in front of cinch;

(2) Use of either hand to instill fear or praise;

(3) Holding saddle with either hand;

(4) Blatant disobediences including kicking, biting, bucking,

rearing, and striking.

(i) The following will result in a reduction of two points:

(1) Break of gait;

(2) Freeze up in spins or rollbacks;

(3) On walk-in patterns, failure to stop or walk before executing

a canter departure.

(4) On run-in patterns, failure to be in a canter prior to the

first marker.

(5) If a horse does not completely pass the specified marker

before initiating a stop position.

(j) Starting or performing circles or eights out of lead will be

judged as follows:

Each time a horse is out of lead, a judge is required to

deduct one point. The penalty for being out of lead is accumulative

and the judge will deduct one penalty point for each quarter of the

circumference of a circle or any part thereof that a horse is out of

lead. A judge is required to penalize a horse one-half point for a

delayed change of lead by one stride.

(k) Deduct 1/2 point for starting circle at a jog or exiting rollbacks

at a jog up to two strides. Jogging beyond two strides, but less

than 1/2 circle or 1/2 the length of the arena, deduct two points.

(l) Deduct 1/2 point for over or under spinning up to oneeighth

(1/8) of a turn; deduct one (1) point for over or under spinning

from one-eighth to one-fourth (1/8 to 1/4) turn.

(m) A 1/2 point penalty deduction will be given for failure to

remain a minimum of 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence when

approaching a stop and/or rollback.

(n) In patterns requiring a run-around, failure to be on the correct

lead when rounding the end of the arena will be penalized as follows:

for 1/2 the turn or less, one (1) point; for more than 1/2 turn,

two (2) points.

(o) Faults against the horse to be scored accordingly, but not to

cause disqualification:

(1) Opening mouth excessively when wearing bit;

(2) Excessive jawing, opening mouth or head raising on stop;

(3) Lack of smooth, straight stop on haunches-bouncing or

sideways stop;

(4) Refusing to change leads;

(5) Anticipating signals;

(6) Stumbling;

(7) Backing sideways;

(8) Knocking over markers.

(p) Faults against the rider to be scored accordingly, but not to

cause disqualification:

(1) Losing stirrup;

(2) Failure to run circles or figure eights within the markers

is not considered a fault depending on arena conditions and size;

however, failure to go beyond markers on rollbacks and stops is considered

a fault.

(q) A show may have up to three approved reining classes.

(1) If three reining classes are to be held at a show, they

shall be the following:

(A) Senior reining shown with bit;

(B) Junior reining shown with bit;

(C) Hackamore/snaffle bit reining (five years old and

younger, shown with hackamore or snaffle bit);

(1) No horse may be entered in both junior bit and hackamore/

snaffle bit reining classes at the same show.

(2) If two reining classes are to be held at a show, they shall

be the following:

(A) Senior reining shown with bit;

(B) Junior reining shown with either bit, hackamore

or snaffle bit at the discretion of the exhibitor.

(3) If only one reining class is to be held at a show, it shall

be the following:

(A) Reining-all ages - horses six years old and older

must be shown in bit; horses five years old and younger may be shown

in either bit, hackamore or snaffle bit at the discretion of the exhibitor.

(r) While horse is in motion, rider’s hands shall be clear of

horseand saddle.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 1

1. Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end marker

and do a left rollback - no hesitation.

2. Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and

do a right rollback - no hesitation.

3. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to

center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate.

4. Complete four spins to the right.

5. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horse

is facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.

6. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:

the first circle large and fast; the second circle small and slow; the

third circle large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.

7. Complete three circles to the right: the first circle large and

fast; the second circle small and slow; the third circle large and fast.

Change leads at the center of the arena.

8. Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle.

Run straight up the right side of the arena past the center marker and

do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from wall or fence.

Hesitate to demonstrate the completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 2

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

1. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first circle small and slow; the next two circles large and

fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.

2. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small and

slow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center

of the arena.

3. Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of

the circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena past the

end marker and do a right rollback - no hesitation.

4. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past the

end marker and do a left rollback - no hesitation.

5. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to

the center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate.

6. Complete four spins to the right.

7. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate to demonstrate the

completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 3

1. Beginning, and staying at least twenty feet (6 meters) from

the walls or fence, lope straight up the left side of the arena, circle the

top end of the arena, run straight down the opposite or right side of

the arena past the center marker and do a left rollback - no hesitation.

2. Continue straight up the right side of the arena staying at

least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence, circle back around

the top of the arena, run straight down the left side of the arena past

the center marker and do a right rollback - no hesitation.

3. Continue up the left side of the arena to the center marker.

At the center marker, the horse should be on the right lead. Guide

the horse to the center of the arena on the right lead and complete

three circles to the right: the first two circles large and fast; the third

circle small and slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.

4. Complete three circles to the left: the first two circles large

and fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads in the center

of the arena.

5. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.

Continue up the left side of the arena staying at least twenty feet

(6 meters) from the wall or fence, circle the top of the arena, run

straight down the opposite or right side of the arena past the center

marker and do a sliding stop. Back up at least ten feet (3 meters).

Hesitate.

6. Complete four spins to the right.

7. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate to demonstrate

completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 4

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

1. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and

slow. Stop at the center of the arena.

2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.

3. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:

the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.

Stop at the center of the arena.

4. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.

5. Beginning on the right lead, run a large fast circle to the

right, change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fast circle to

the left, and change leads at the center of the arena.

6. Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of

the circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena past the

end marker and do a right rollback - no hesitation.

7. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past the

end marker and do a left rollback - no hesitation.

8. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to

the center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate to

demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 5

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

1. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:

the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.

Stop at the center of the arena.

2. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.

3. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and

slow. Stop at the center of the arena.

4. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.

5. Beginning on the left lead, run a large fast circle to the left,

change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fast circle to the

right, and change leads at the center of the arena. (Figure 8)

6. Continue around previous circle to the left but do not close

this circle. Run up the right side of the arena past the center marker

and do a right rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall

or fence - no hesitation.

7. Continue around previous circle but do not close this circle.

Run up the left side of the arena past the center marker and do a left

rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence - no

hesitation.

8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run up the right side of the arena past the center marker and

do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or

fence. Back up at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate to demonstrate

completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 6

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

1. Complete four spins to the right.

2. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.

3. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:

the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.

Change leads at the center of the arena.

4. Complete three circles to the right: the first two circles large

and fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the center

of the arena.

5. Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle.

Run up the right side of the arena past the center marker and do a

right rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence -

no hesitation.

6. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run up the left side of the arena past the center marker and

do a left rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence

- no hesitation.

7. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run up the right side of the arena past the center marker and

do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or

fence. Back up at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate to demonstrate

the completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 7

1. Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end marker

and do a left rollback - no hesitation.

2. Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker

and do a right rollback - no hesitation.

3. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up

to the center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate.

4. Complete four spins to the right.

5. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that

horse is facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.

6. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and

slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.

7. Complete three circles to the left: the first two circles large

and fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the center of

the arena.

8. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.

Run straight down the right side of the arena past the center

marker and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the

wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 8

must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

1. Complete four spins to the left.

2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.

3. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first circle large and fast; the second circle small and slow;

the third circle large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.

4. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle large and

fast; the second circle small and slow; the third circle large and fast.

Change leads at the center of the arena.

5. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.

Run straight down the right side of the arena past the center

marker and do a left rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the

wall or fence - no hesitation.

6. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close

this circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center marker

and do a right rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the

wall or fence - no hesitation.

7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close

this circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center marker

and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall

or fence. Back up at least ten feet. Hesitate to demonstrate completion

of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 9

1. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up

to the center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate.

2. Complete four spins to the right.

3. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that the

horse is facing the left wall or fence. Hesitate.

4. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first two circles large and fast, the third circle small and

slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.

5. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small and

slow, the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center

of the arena.

6. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this

circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the marker and do

a left rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence -

no hesitation.

7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center and do a

right rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence -

no hesitation.

8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center marker

and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or

fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may dismount and drop the bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 10

1. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up

to the center of the arena or at least ten feet (3 meters). Hesitate.

2. Complete four spins to the right.

3. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that the

horse is facing the left wall or fence. Hesitate.

4. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the

right: the first two circles large and fast, the third circle small and

slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.

5. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small and

slow, the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center

of the arena.

6. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this

circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the marker and do

a left rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence -

no hesitation.

7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center and do a

right rollback at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence -

no hesitation.

8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center marker

and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (6 meters) from the wall or

fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may dismount and drop the bridle to the designated judge.

REINING PATTERN NUMBER 11

Approved only for Novice Amateur, Novice Youth, and 13 and under

Mandatory Marker Along Fence or Wall

The judge shall indicate with markers on arena fence or wall the

length of pattern. Markers within the area of the pattern are not

permitted.

Ride pattern as follows:

Horses must walk or stop prior to starting pattern.

1. Starting at the center marker make a large fast circle to right

on the right lead.

2. Draw the circle down to a small circle until you reach the center

marker; stop.

3. Do a double spin to the inside of the small circle at the center

marker; at end of spins horse should be facing the left wall, slight

hesitation.

4. Begin on left lead and make a large fast circle.

5. Then a small circle, again drawing it down to the center of the

arena, stop, no hesitation on these stops.

6. Do a double spin to the inside of the circle, slight hesitation,

horse to be facing left wall.

7. Take a right lead and make a fast figure eight over the large

circles, close the eight, and change leads.

8. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.

Run down the right side of the arena past the marker and do a left roll

back at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence - no hesitation.

9. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center and do a right

roll back at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence - no hesitation

10. Continue back around previous circle but do not close this

circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center marker and

do a sliding stop at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence. Back

up at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate to show completion of pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.