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Antonia and Juliette Ramel: “A sister is just another competitor”
Mathilde Andresen
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This series will shed light on some different disciplines. In the equestrian world, there are more than 50 different disciplines worldwide, each with even more sub disciplines. Most of us do one, two or maximum three disciplines, what do other equestrian do? We hope this series might help create awareness, show equalities or differences and maybe spark interests.
READ ALSO: WHAT IS: Working Equitation
Originated in America, this discipline developed from the traditional skills of ranchers on huge farms, needing quick, fine tuning in their horses, into a top-level sport with major shows, and is actually one of the equestrian sports where competitors can win the biggest prizes sums. Some of the biggest reining stars have won up to 6 million American dollars throughout their career! The discipline of reining is no longer just popular in the States but also Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands are performing well, making their way up the ropes. In 2002 reining was added to the FEI World Equestrian Games and the fast-paced sport is rapidly catching people’s attention.
But what is this Western sport all about? What movements are done, how is each task performed correctly, how is it judged and what do they wear? Natasha Møller from the quarter horse breeding stable Kumlegaard has assisted in providing some clarity of the sport.
Reining is a class made up by patterns that needs to be executed precisely. There are 13 approved official reining patterns. The aim is that the horse and rider can showcase certain movements that imitates working cattle. Therefore, it often includes, quick spins, high speed, quick stops and moving backwards. Reining is performed in lope or canter. Lope is the same gate as canter, but it is quite a different movement and feeling. It is a lot slower; the horse’s head is low to the ground and the pace is more flat than bouncy. The horse is still working in a frame and performing self-carriage. The goal of reining, as with dressage (and most other disciplines) is to make it look easy. The horse needs to be very easy and sensitive to ride and handle, but looking happy is also one of the aspects that are observed in reining. Accuracy, as in many other disciplines is key.
Reining horses are quarter horses and are often bred for the purpose of reining and is the only type of horse used, at least for competitions.
If we compare it to the English riding, many people will call it the western dressage. Yet, Natasha says it feels more like showjumping – fast paced – excitement and fun, thrilled.
Horse: Western tack, snaffle bits or curb bits with shanks and often colourful boots and bell boots to protect their legs, skid boots on the hind and often skid plates are used.
Rider: Long sleeve shirt – often solid color or subtle print, jeans and chaps and belt, often with a big, metal buckle. Cowboy boots, either pointed- or square toe. Most riders wear cowboy hats, but helmets are recommended.
There will be a least one, often more judges scoring each horse. The horse always begins a pattern with a score of 70 points and then the judge can give between 0 and infinity with 70 being the average score. This means there is no specific top score in reining.
The judge can either add or deduct up to 1.5 points for each manoeuvre. Major mistakes result in a zero score. When scoring, points are given for finesse, smoothness, quickness and attitude in each pattern.
Self-carriage and collection is important in the reining, but with a lower set head. Thetop line should be levelled, and the movements are flatter. They must step up under themselves, but less up and down movement than other breeds. The manoeuvres are the top priority in reining, next comes the movement of the horse, though a better moving horse with great manoeuvres are of course a top priority.
There might be a few riding schools around that provide an option for Western riding and specifically trying out reining might not be the easiest to try out. Therefore, if you really want to get into the reining, the best option is to get your own horse. Most trainers will help you with any breed of horse to retrain it to the Western style, but if you are looking at competing a quarter horse might be the best option.
Do you know of a certain discipline that people should know more about? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
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