Reining
📘 Overview
Reining is a thrilling Western riding discipline that showcases the precision, athleticism, and control of both horse and rider. Horses perform a set pattern of movements including spins, sliding stops, rollbacks, circles, and lead changes—all judged on smoothness, finesse, speed control, and overall attitude. Often described as “Western dressage,” reining emphasizes harmony and responsiveness, making it one of the most dynamic disciplines on EquinoxMC.
🐎 Breed Regulations & Stats
While all breeds are eligible, stock-type breeds traditionally excel in reining due to their compact build and agility.
Speed: 20–35 mph
Jump: 0.00–6.99 ft
Division: D6, D5, D4
Recommended Breeds:
American Quarter Horse
American Paint Horse
Appaloosa
Mustang
Nokota
AQH/APH crosses
🧑⚖️ Judging
Reining is judged on precision, fluidity, and willingness of the horse to respond to cues. Each movement in the pattern is scored from -1.5 to +1.5:
+1.5: Excellent
0: Correct
-1.5: Major fault
Judges also evaluate overall presentation, pattern accuracy, and rider control. The highest combined score wins.
❌ Disqualifications
Performing the wrong pattern or going off course
Severe disobedience or dangerous behaviour
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Improper attire or tack
⚠️ Penalties
Delayed transitions
Over/under spinning
Stopping too early or too late
Breaking gait during circles or lead changes
📊 Scoring
Each maneuverer in the reining pattern receives an individual score, then added together with any penalties deducted. A perfect score is 70. Scores above or below reflect maneuver bonuses or penalties.
Example: A spin scored at +1, a sliding stop at 0, and a rollback at -0.5 would contribute to a final pattern score of 70.5.
👗 Attire
Reining follows Western-style tack and show attire:
Rider:
Western show shirt or long-sleeved button-up
Jeans or Western pants
Western boots
Cowboy hat or helmet (mandatory for juniors)
Optional: chaps, gloves, spurs
Horse:
Western saddle and pad
Western bridle with appropriate bit
Optional: protective leg gear, split reins, breast collar
🧱 Course Building
Reining patterns must be hosted in a flat arena (recommended 50x70 blocks minimum). Obstacles are not required, but clear markings for circles, spin zones, and stop points are essential.
Patterns Must Include:
Two large fast circles
Two small slow circles
Four spins (2 each direction)
Sliding stop
Rollback
Back-up in straight line
Lead changes (simple or flying)
Use banners, signs, or item frames to indicate movement start/end zones.
🎁 Prize Pot & Entry Fees
Tier
Entry Fee
Prize Pot
Placings
Local
$20
$1,000
Top 3
Regional
$75
$5,000
Top 5
Championship
$200
$12,000
Top 8
🚫 No real-world currency allowed. Entry fees and prizes must be in-game currency or items only. Violations = permanent ban.
📢 Hosting
To host a reining competition:
Judges must be trained and impartial
Arena must meet minimum standards
Pattern must be declared and shared before competition
Hosts are responsible for enforcing dress/tack rules and recording official scores
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