A Short History of Reining…….

What is Reining?

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. In NRHA competition, contestants are required to run one of ten approved patterns, included in the NRHA Handbook. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins done in place, and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse. The NRHA Judging System is recognized as the leading format for judging an equine event that combines technical and stylistic elements coupled with consideration of “degree of difficulty”. Many segments of the equine judging discipline have openly embraced the NRHA Judging System.

The Reining Escalation

NRHA has flourished over the past decade. From 1997-2007, NRHA grew over 40% to over 15,000 members and from 265 NRHA approved shows to 700. In 1997, a total of 1.3 million dollars were paid out in NRHA competition and in 2009 NRHA paid out over 11 million dollars in competition purses. The NRHA Executive Committee has aligned with other world wide equine associations to accomplish common goals and to move the sport of Reining into the international arena. Gaining acceptance as the first Western Discipline of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) marked an important milestone in the history of Reining, the western horse, and the NRHA.

NRHA Hall of Fame

Over the years since NRHA’s inception, many individuals have contributed to its growth. Some are human and some are equine. All have been exceptional! Exceptional in their individual accomplishments and exceptional in their contribution to the sport of Reining. In recognition of these individuals, NRHA instituted the NRHA Hall of Fame as a continuing acknowledgement of the contribution of these exceptional contributors. The Hall of Fame can be visited in person at the NRHA headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

$$$ Million Dollar Earners $$$

In 1993, Hollywood Jac 86, a leading NRHA Sire for many years, was the first sire to accumulate over $1,000,000 in offspring earnings. In 1995, Bill Horn, one of the sports founding members and leading riders, became the first person to win over $1,0000,000 in NRHA competition. These were astounding milestones for the sport of reining and prompted the association to institute a program that will continue to recognize individuals that achieve this level of accomplishment. Since then, a small number of others have joined this elite group – the NRHA’s Million Dollar Earners.

For More Information about Reining please go to the NRHA site- NRHA.COM

Taken from the NRHA.com site-
NRHA.com.”About the NRHA”.NRHA.com.March 12,2011. http://www.nrha.com/about.php