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Horse Reining

Reining is the most popular western discipline and has hit the international scene in modern years. It is now governed by the International Equestrian Federation internationally and by the National Reining Horse Association in the United States. Reining involves riding a horse around a specific pattern using movements such as circles, spins, rollbacks, and sliding stops, all done at high speed. In addition to being a timed event, the horse is judged on the quality of the movements. Horse Illustrated‘s articles cover all about the sport, how to improve your skills, stories from those who participate, how to train your horse to do some of the movements, and much more.

The American Performance Horseman Announces Dickies Arena as the New Venue for 2025 Competition

Fort Worth, Texas — Teton Ridge, the premier western sports, entertainment and lifestyle brand, announced top-ranked professionals in the western…

3 months ago


Master Your Reining Spins

The spin is the maneuver specific to reining. The stylized movement shows your horse’s willingness to move on cue with…

6 months ago

Perfect Your Reining and Working Cow Horse Turns

To compete in reining or working cow horse competitions, your horse will need to turn quickly in response to your…

1 year ago

Changing Riding Disciplines

The type of saddle you first sat in does not need to be your last. Changing riding disciplines can help…

2 years ago

Competing with Horses: Mental Preparation with Warwick Schiller

When competing with horses, there are a lot of things you can’t control. You can’t control the schedule. You can’t…

2 years ago

Guide to a Smooth Reining Rundown

To reach the point in the reining arena where you’ll slide to a stop, you must first build up speed…

2 years ago

Western Lesson: Reining Spins That Win

The horse spins to the right, then left, at a reining show. With his full body engaged and his hindquarters…

3 years ago

Dress to Impress in Your Next Western Show Class

You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now…

3 years ago

Master Sliding Stops in Reining

The sliding stop is reining’s signature maneuver. The horse runs at top speed down the length of the arena, and then…

3 years ago

Learning the Circle Slow-Down in the Reining Arena

  So much happens in the middle of the reining arena: The center spot often marks where to change leads…

4 years ago