Reining Guidelines
LEVELS
All levels automatically include maneuvers from previous levels.
Pre-Reining (R*P): Walk to gallop gaits must be comfortable. Be able to perform a Walk-in.
Choreograph Length: N/A
Easy A (R*1): Jog-ins. Large canter circles from walk to canter. Also must be able to perform Hesitations. Riders must also be able to do at least 6 steps back up.
Choreograph Length: 2 minutes
Easy B (R*2): Canter lead changes, run downs, run arounds and canter stops are now required.
Choreograph Length: 2-3 minutes
Intermediate A (R*3): Stops from a full gallop and slow spins are required for this level.
Choreograph Length: 2-4 minutes
Intermediate B (R*4): Gallop lead changes and fast spins are required.
Choreograph Length: 3-5 minutes
Advanced A (R*5): A canter stop and rollback sequence is required for this level.
Choreograph Length: 4-7 minutes
DRESS CODE
RIDERS
SHIRTS - Preferably, short sleeves should be used.
LEG WEAR - Preferably, shorts should be used.
Using pants or a long sleeved shirt in the summer may result in a lower score. Wearing short sleeves/shorts enables muscles to show, and that makes it power to be demonstrated better. Since power is a judging factor, it may unintentionally affect your score.
This dress code is exempt in the early spring, late fall or winter, when conditions do not favour this type of apparel.
HORSES
Horses may use any type of headstall.
English bridles, english breastplates and english martingales are never allowed.
Western martingales are allowed up to level Easy B (R*2).
Western breastplates are allowed, so long as they do not have any rein attachments.
Whips are also not allowed.
PRE-COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
FOR RIDER
Riders must provide a choreograph sheet and selected song at least 2 days before the competition.
FOR HORSE
Riders must provide a video of walk to gallop up at least 2 days before the competition. Preferably, the video should be taken in the same environment as the competition video will be.
COMPETITION GUIDELINES
SAFETY
Riders must choose their competition arena carefully.
The International Reining Division recommends cement surfaces for shorter (2-4 minute) choreographs. For choreographs of up to 7 minutes, it is recommended to use grass. Before using grass, make sure to be familiarized with the area. Make sure there are no holes or places where you could easily slip. Reining is a high-speed sport and participants must be careful about every factoring aspect.
ARENA REQUIREMENTS
For reining arenas, the arena length must be twice the width. The recommended dimensions are a width of 5 meters (16 ft) and a length of 10 meters (32 ft).
Riders must clearly indicate the designated arena area with pylons or other clear markers.
PENALTIES
2 POINTS
Riders will be given a penalty of 2 points for the following infractions:
*Breaking gait during a maneuver.
*Turning, circling, etc. in the wrong way.
*Knocking over any arena marking.
*Being on the wrong lead.
*Cutting corners during turns.
5 POINTS
Riders will be given a penalty of 5 points for the following infractions:
*Using the wrong or broken tack. This may also result in a score of 0, depending on severity.
*Failing to submit walk to gallop inspection video.