Western riding is a style of equestrianism that originated from the working traditions of American cowboys. Designed for long hours in the saddle, particularly when managing cattle, this style prioritizes comfort, control, and practicality. One of its most recognizable features is the Western saddle, complete with a horn to assist with roping livestock.
The riding technique emphasizes loose reins, subtle cues, and a strong, intuitive partnership between horse and rider. Today, Western riding is not only popular for recreational purposes but has also evolved into a respected competitive sport with Reining as its most prominent discipline.
Reining, often called the “dressage of Western riding,” has been an official FEI discipline since 2002. It features a series of fast-paced, spectacular maneuvers, all performed at the gallop that test the athleticism, obedience, and finesse of the horse.
Reining patterns include large fast and small slow circles to demonstrate speed control, flying lead changes, rollbacks, 180° turns on the hindquarters, backing up with minimal rein contact, spins consisting of 360° turns on the hindquarters, and the iconic sliding stop, a dramatic halt from a gallop where the horse’s hind legs slide while the front legs continue moving until reaching complete stillness.
An ideal reining horse is agile, athletic, responsive, and highly trainable. While breeds like the American Quarter Horse and Paint Horse dominate the sport, many other breeds also participate successfully.
In competition, riders perform predefined patterns (routines), as outlined by the rulebooks of various associations. Each rider starts with a base score of 70 points. Judges then evaluate each maneuver using a standardized scoring system, awarding or deducting up to 1½ points per movement, based on precision and execution.
Reining showcases the artistry of control and the spirit of Western riding—where tradition meets technical mastery.
