Reining FAQ's ...

 

'A Pocket Handbook for Reiners' prepared for the NRHA by Mario Boisjoli, will answer most of your reining questions. Click here for the pdf file or read the handbook below.

Here are the 74 most frequently asked questions....if you don't find your answer here, feel free to email us!

1. Are bloodlines important for making a reining horse?
2. Can any horse be taught to rein?
3. Does conformation have an effect on ability?
4. Name some aspects of correct conformation.
5. Does the size of the horse matter?
6. How important is what I am wearing?
7. What about hats?
8. Does it matter if your hat falls off?
9. How can I keep my hat from falling off?
10. What about shirts?
11. What about jeans?
12. What about chaps?
13. What about boots?
14. What about bridles?
15. What about bits?
16. What about snaffles?
17. What about hackamores?
18. When using a hackamore can you ride with both hands on the reins?
19. What about mechanical hackamores?
20. What about reins?
21. What about saddles?
22. What about breast collars?
23. What about saddle pads and blankets?
24. What about show pads and blankets?
25. When do you need splint boots?
26. What about bell boots?
27. When do you need knee boots?
28. What about skid boots?
29. How do you get the correct lead on departures?
30. What is cadence?
31. Do you have to wear spurs?
32. Do you use steady or alternating pressure when applying cues?
33. Do you work your horse equally on both sides?
34. How should you sit in a fast circle?
35. How do you come down into a slow circle from a fast circle?
36. How much difference should I make in the speed of my circles?
37. How much difference should I make in the size of the circles?
38. When should I start to slow down when going from a big circle to a small one?
39. When should I speed the horse up?
40. Is collection necessary in a reining horse?
41. How do you teach a horse to change leads?
42. How much should you use your reins in the circles?
43. How much should I use other cues?
44. What is the most common mistake people make in circles?
45. How do you teach your horse to spin?
46. Which foot should a horse pivot on?
47. How do you get a horse to pivot on the correct foot?
48. What is more important, speed or correctness?
49. What is the best way to stop spinning?
50. What is the best way to keep my horse spinning until I am ready to stop?
51. How should I sit when I am spinning?
52. How do you teach a horse to stop?
53. How do you get a horse to stop harder?
54. How do you teach a horse to rollback?
55. Do you straighten out the horse before stopping?
56. How do you keep the horse accelerating smoothly?
57. How do you keep a horse from being afraid of the bit?
58. Are sliding stops hard on horse's hind legs?
59. What is the right surface for reining?
60. How do you teach a horse to walk in front when he slides behind?
61. Is how you say "Whoa" important?
62. What is scotching?
63. How do you prevent "scotching"?
64. What is the most important thing about showing?
65. What is the best way to stay on pattern?
66. What else is the next most important thing about showing?
67. When does one maneuver start and the other one stop?
68. What creates a pleasing picture to a judge?
69. Do I need to work with a trainer?
70. Is it okay to work with more than one trainer?
71. Do I need to buy a "finished" horse?
72. How can I keep from being dizzy?
73. What is the best way to count?
74. What is the most important thing about reining?

 

 

1. Are bloodlines important for making a reining horse?
Very much so. Although there are rare exceptions almost all top reining horses come from specific bloodlines that have been bred for generations for Western performance events.

2. Can any horse be taught to rein?
Many of the exercises used to train reining horses will help almost any riding horse with things like flexibility. It is generally a mistake however, to try to make horses do difficult maneuvers they are not suited to or capable of doing.

3. Does conformation have an effect on ability?
The advantages of breeding are demonstrated in two ways. Correct conformation to perform the required maneuvers, such as quick stops and turns is one advantage. The other is disposition to accept training and stay clam while doing them.

4. Name some aspects of correct conformation.
While there are many, many aspects of correct conformation, some of the obvious ones are as follows:
1. Low head carriage.
2. Straight legs for soundness.
3. Good pasterns for soundness and way of moving.
4. Overall balance.
5. Sloping shoulder.
6. Strong hindquarters.

5. Does the size of the horse matter?
Size is not an important factor in a reining horse as a rule as long as the horse has overall balance. The exception to this might be an extremely small horse not being suited to a large rider.

6. How important is what I am wearing?
The NRHA Handbook says "It is mandatory for all riders to wear appropriate western attire while showing; this would include a long sleeve shirt and western hat or safety helmet." Riders should wear whatever their tastes and budgets dictate. Think of it as a job interview. In other words your ability doesn't depend on what you wear, but it never hurts to make a good impression.

7. What about hats?
Straw hats are appropriate in hot weather. Felt hats are always in season. A nicely shaped hat gives the look of a serious competitor.

8. Does it matter if your hat falls off?
There is no rule against your hat falling off; unfortunately hats falling off detract from the overall picture and often the rider's concentration is seriously disrupted when this occurs.

9. How can I keep my hat from falling off?
Felt hats are easier to keep on than straw hats; proper fit is essential. Sometimes riders use bobby pins or apply hair spray or golf club grip cream to the front of the sweat band to make it tacky.

10. What about shirts?
Long sleeves are a must and weather would dictate wool vs. cotton. The shirt could be coordinated with other colors in the outfit, particularly the saddle blanket. Ties or scarves are optional and it is appropriate to show with or without them.

Back to Top

11. What about jeans?
New slacks or jeans always present a much nicer picture than old faded ones.

12. What about chaps?
Chaps are not mandatory but clean well fitted chaps are traditional and add to the look of a serious competitor.

13. What about boots?
Any western boot is acceptable. Your boots should always be cleaned and polished.

14. What about bridles?
Any western bridle is acceptable. It should be clean and in good repair. Silver is not necessary but adds a nice touch when cleaned and polished.

15. What about bits?
According to the NRHA Handbook "All bits must be free of any mechanical device. The mouth piece should be constructed only of round material with the bar space having a minimum diameter of no less than 5/16 inches. The port shall not extend or protrude below the bars and shall not exceed 3 1/2 inches in height."

16. What about snaffles?
Snaffles must be smooth with a broken mouth piece (conventional O-ring, Eggbutt or D-ring) with ring no larger than 4 inches and no smaller than 2 inches. One inch in from the cheek the mouth piece must be a minimum 3/8 inch diameter with a gradual decrease to the center of the snaffle. Optional loose curb strap must be leather.

17. What about hackamores?
The NRHA Handbook says "A braided rawhide or leather bosal may be used: but can be no larger than 3/4 inch in diameter at the cheek. There must be a minimum of a two-finger space (approximately 1-1/2 inch) between the bosal and the horse's nose. There must be absolutely no metal under the noseband with connection to the bosal."

18. When using a hackamore can you ride with both hands on the reins?
In NRHA competition one hands or two hands may be used on the reins only in the Snaffle Bit or Hackamore Classes for three and four year olds. In these two classes, two hands are traditionally used. A hackamore may be used in any other NRHA Class but only with one hand on the reins. Hackamore is the unit which includes the headpiece, the bosal and the reins.

19. What about mechanical hackamores?
Mechanical hackamores, those with shanks and curb chains, are not legal in reining competitions.

20. What about reins?
Only split reins or romal reins are acceptable—never closed reins such as the kind used by ropers or barrel racers. Exception: When using horsehair reins with a hackamore tied in the traditional mecate style.

Back to Top

21. What about saddles?
Any western saddle is appropriate but those that are designed specifically for reining usually give the rider the best advantage. Your saddle should always be clean and well oiled.

22. What about breastcollars?
Breastcollars may be used if necessary to prevent the saddle from slipping back. Most horsemen agree that not using a breastcollar provides more freedom of movement. If using a breastcollar be sure it is not rubbing the hair or skin off the horse's chest.

23. What about saddle pads and blankets?
There are many types of pads and blankets available. The most important things are to keep them clean and in good repair, making certain they are thick enough to protect the horse's back yet not so thick they can roll from side to side. The shape of the horse's withers is the biggest factor in determining the correct thickness.

24. What about show pads and blankets?
Any western pad is acceptable but the Navajo style pads and blankets are most traditional. Show pads should be clean and bright and never faded and dirty. The colors should be coordinated with the rest of the outfit.

25. When do you need splint boots?
Splint boots should be worn at all times. They provide protection to the splint and cannon bones should they be inadvertently struck by the hoof and/or shoe of the opposite foot. Some splint boots provide extra support for the tendons.

26. What about bell boots?
Bell boots protect the coronet band from being struck by the hoof or shoe. This is particularly important in the early stages of teaching a horse to spin. Bell boots also protect the bulbs and heels of the front feet from the toe of the hind feet when a horse is sliding. Extra care should be given to keep bell boots clean. Sand accumulating in them will irritate the ankles, which can lead to a serious condition known as 'scratches'.

27. When do you need knee boots?
In some cases horses will rub one knee against the other while spinning. Knee boots should be used until the horse learns to spin without interfering.

28. What about skid boots?
Skid boots should be used when the horse is being worked on sliding stops. Particular attention should be paid to keeping skid boots clean. When using leather boots, keep them well oiled. Stiff or dirty skid boots will quickly rub the hair off the horse's ankles.

29. How do you get the correct lead on departures?
Start by practicing them repeatedly in the same spot. The goal is to have the horse go immediately into the lope from a walk or standstill. If you encounter difficulty consistently picking up the correct lead, more work is needed developing control of the hips and shoulders.

30. What is cadence?
Cadence is a uniform rhythm or tempo. While performing a maneuver it is important in spins and circles to help create the smooth flowing appearance which makes them pleasing to watch.

Back to Top

31. Do you have to wear spurs?
In all aspects of riding, common sense should prevail. The level of training and sensitivity of each particular horse will dictate whether or not spurs are necessary or desirable.

32. Do you use steady or alternating pressure when applying cues?
Cues should never be applied so suddenly as to startle an unsuspecting horse. Subtle alternating pressure often achieves a better response. Horses may become oblivious to steady pressure when applied over a long period of time.

33. Do you work your horse equally on both sides?
Very few horses work equally well in both directions. It is important to spend more time on the weaker side so it can "catch up" with the strong side. It is usually best to begin with the good side to start off on a "good note" at the beginning of a ride.

34. How should you sit in a fast circle?
Sit the way you feel most comfortable. The important thing is to be consistent so that your seat becomes one of the cues that indicate to the horse whether to go fast or slow.

35. How do you come down into a slow circle from a fast circle?
Relax your seat, be sure your legs are off the horse's sides, use a verbal command such as "easy" and let the size of the circle aid in slowing the horse down. Light contact on the bit is acceptable, but an on going "tug of war" shows the judges that the horse is not willingly controlled.

36. How much difference should I make in the speed of my circles?
As a rule, the greater the contrast in speed, the better the score for the maneuver. Every horse has a maximum and minimum speed at which they look their best. Care should be given not to exceed these maximums and minimums as this will create a less pleasing picture.

37. How much difference should I make in the size of the circles?
Make as much contrast as possible without making the large circle so big that you appear to be using the sides of the arena to steer the horse. Make the small circle as small as the horse's way of moving allows so that he does not appear as though he is struggling.

38. When should I start to slow down when going from a big circle to a small one?
It is best to begin asking the horse to slow down slightly before reaching the center of the arena. This gives the horse room to slow down so that the entire small circle can be executed at slow speed.

39. When should I speed the horse up?
Whether starting into the first circle or going from a small circle to a large one start accelerating at the center but do so gradually over the course of several strides or roughly one quarter of the circle. Sudden bursts of speed are liable to interfere with the horse's steering and do not create a smooth picture.

40. Is collection necessary in a reining horse?
Collection is extremely important in helping a horse move better in the circles and to keep the hind legs underneath him in preparation for stops and lead changes.

Back to Top

41. How do you teach a horse to change leads?
There is more than one method for teaching lead changes. The most important thing is to teach the horse control of the hips and shoulders with pressure from the rider's legs. Time and patience is important to teach this calmly at the walk and trot. Never try to frighten or bully a horse into changing leads, this will only result in disaster.

42. How much should you use your reins in the circles?
Light contact on the bit and against the side of the neck is acceptable. Extremely long reins do not receive extra credit. A reasonably loose rein gives the impression that the horse is being willingly guided.

43. How much should I use other cues?
The various cues should be used in conjunction with each other to produce the best overall result. Shifting of the rider's weight and the use of the rider's legs against the horse's sides, but as in all good horsemanship, excessive or harsh cues do not create a pleasing picture.

44. What is the most common mistake people make in circles?
Many beginners forget to start and finish all circles at the center of the arena. The common denominator between all circles regardless of size, speed, or direction is that they start and finish at the center of the arena.

45. How do you teach your horse to spin?
Begin teaching your horse to spin by walking a series of small circles with the head down and the nose tipped slightly to the inside. This will teach him correct body position that he will need to turn without interfering in the front.

46. Which foot should a horse pivot on?
The inside hind leg.

47. How do you get a horse to pivot on the correct foot?
If a horse will not plant the correct foot he is either interfering in the front or is out of balance, meaning his weight is too far to the front, or to one side or the other. If all of these problems are corrected, the pivot foot will normally correct itself.

48. What is more important, speed or correctness?
Correctness always comes before speed. The NRHA Rules for judging insist that no credit be given for speed when spins are not performed correctly.

49. What is the best way to stop spinning?
Be sure that your horse understands that "Whoa" means stop. Each horse requires a different amount of time to "Shut-Down". Practice at home to find out how far ahead of time you need to say "Whoa" to stop where you want to.

50. What is the best way to keep my horse spinning until I am ready to stop?
When practicing at home be sure to do one or two extra spins frequently. Otherwise the horse will anticipate quitting the spin. It is best to continue "Clucking" to the horse until you tell him to stop by saying "Whoa".

Back to Top

51. How should I sit when I am spinning?
Avoid leaning or any extreme movement. Sit with your weight shifted slightly to the back and your inside foot forward and away from the horse. This will help insure a secure seat by overcoming the centrifugal force of the rider. Keep the outside leg close to the horse so it can be used to start the spin and maintain the motion.

52. How do you teach a horse to stop?
In the beginning, stop the horse repeatedly in the same spot. Be sure he understands that "Whoa" means stop. Whenever he does not stop on the hindquarters back him a few steps.

53. How do you get a horse to stop harder?
Use extra speed gradually to encourage him to try harder. Whenever the stop is weak, back him quickly being sure that he is soft in the poll and not leaning on the bit.

54. How do you teach a horse to rollback?
At the end of a stop back the horse a few steps and then when you are sure his weight is off the front end and over his hindquarters turn him 180 degrees and urge him immediately into the lope. In the beginning, do not be concerned with which lead he comes out on. As he progresses he will come out on the desired lead automatically.

55. Do you straighten out the horse before stopping?
Any horse has to be straight in order to stop well. Be sure to teach the horse to run perfectly straight in run-downs. Practice straightening the horse a stride or two before stopping.

56. How do you keep the horse accelerating smoothly?
When practicing at home alternate fast run-downs with slow ones. If the horse "charges" when asked for a run-down, gradually increase the pressure on the bit until he walks quietly. Never yank or jerk on the horse's mouth as this will only make him more nervous.

57. How do you keep a horse from being afraid of the bit?
Horse become afraid of the bit because of "jerking" on the mouth. This usually results from the rider not knowing how to handle some situations or a lack of patience. Be sure on the other hand that you use a bit that the horse will not ignore, so you can get the desirable response with a quiet "steady" pull.

58. Are sliding stops hard on horse's hind legs?
Not if the horse is shod properly with sliding plates, and the riding surface is level and loose enough, so as not to put undue strain on the hind legs.

59. What is the right surface for reining?
Usually some kind of firm base such as clay that is level, topped with 3-4 inches of sand that should be regularly groomed with a "drag" or shallow harrow.

60. How do you teach a horse to walk in front when he slides behind?
If a horse is stiff legged in front while stopping, it usually indicates they are scared or nervous about stopping. This is probably from the rider pulling hard during stops. Practice stopping with emphasis on the verbal command "Whoa" and light contact on the bit.

Back to Top

61. Is how you say "Whoa" important?
It is critical that when you say "Whoa" you say it slowly and calmly in a low pitched tone. If "Whoa" is hollered out quickly it is impossible to move the rein hand slowly to achieve the smooth contact necessary for the relaxed sliding stop that is desirable.

62. What is scotching?
" Scotching" is used to describe what a horse does when he anticipates stopping before the rider asks for the stop.

63. How do you prevent "scotching"?
" Scotching" is a result of stopping too much in the same spot and/or pulling too hard on the bit during the stop. Alternate stopping with loping end to end in the arena or track without stopping. Be careful not to use harsh punishment when a horse scotches as it will make him afraid to stop.

64. What is the most important thing about showing?
Stay on Pattern.

65. What is the best way to stay on pattern?
Walk the pattern on foot before the class. Picture the pattern in your mind like a little "movie" and verbalizing the pattern out loud.

66. What else is the next most important thing about showing?
Eliminate penalties. Practice sessions and concentration should be devoted to eliminating penalties in priority to increasing maneuver scores. Mandatory [penalties will quickly "eat-up" the 70 points you started out with. The common denominator between all successful competitors is that they acquire very few penalties.

67. When does one maneuver start and the other one stop?
Precise explanations of the various maneuver groups used in reining are available in the Judge's Guide in the back of the NRHA Handbook.

68. What creates a pleasing picture to a judge?
Degree of difficulty along with controlled speed will help achieve a higher score but correctness and smoothness particularly when beginning maneuvers always has the first priority.

69. Do I need to work with a trainer?
Working with a knowledgeable and reputable trainer is one of the cheapest investments you can make. The cost of training and lessons is a fraction of the cost of horses, trucks, trailers and equipment and will help insure that you get the most out of all of these. Seek out a trainer who specializes in working with Non-Pros.

70. Is it okay to work with more than one trainer?
Feel free to shop around for the trainer that suits your needs and to attend clinics given in your area. The most consistent results are usually achieved by getting on a single program.

71. Do I need to buy a "finished" horse?
Training a reining horse from scratch is an extremely demanding undertaking. Only the very experienced Non-Pros should tackle training their own horse. Beginners should stick to riding a horse that can teach them.

72. How can I keep from being dizzy?
The best way to keep from being dizzy is to concentrate on counting. It is important to practice counting at home so that it is second nature when you get to the show.

73. What is the best way to count?
The best way to count is to pick an object that is easy to spot. Try to keep track of where it is at all times in your mind and be sure to look straight at it as you come around to face it. At the completion of each full spin (360 degrees) count the object. At a show for instance, the object should be the center cone.

74. What is the most important thing about reining?
Have Fun!!

Back to Top