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.

Take the Reins: The Ins and Outs of 4 Common Types of Western Reins
October 4, 2020
Reins are the key to communicating with your horse from the saddle. Used to cue and control direction and speed, the right set of reins can make the difference between a good ride and a disaster. American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Professional Horsewoman Carol Metcalf breaks down the four most...

National Reining Horse Association Approved Reining Events Resume
May 9, 2020
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors is allowing NRHA-approved reining events to resume, beginning on May 1, 2020, as long as show producers and exhibitors adhere to local and state regulations surrounding COVID-19 and take measures to assure the safety of all involved. NRHA understands that not...

National Reining Horse Association Recommends Postponement of Events Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19); Closes Offices and Staff Working Remotely
March 14, 2020
Following the presidential declaration of a national emergency due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) strongly recommends all producers of NRHA-approved shows consider postponing or canceling all reining events for the next 30 days, effective March 14–April 13, 2020. This action takes into consideration the health and...

2019 World Championship Appaloosa Show: Celebrating 30 Years in Fort Worth
December 2, 2019
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) hosted the 2019 World Championship Appaloosa Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center, where nearly 600 of the best horses in the breed were in attendance. This marked 30 consecutive years that the prestigious event has been held in Fort Worth, Texas. France and Italy, two...

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Hall of Fame First Inductees Named
October 22, 2019
The leadership of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) announced the first inductees for the IHSA Hall of Fame. IHSA Hall of Fame candidates include people, horses and teams. IHSA has more than 400 member college and universities involved in intercollegiate equestrian competition competing individually and on teams in hunter...

Taylor Sheridan Recognized as National Reining Horse Association’s Reiner of the Year
October 16, 2019
The new NRHA Reiner of the Year Award was developed by the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame Committee. The new award is supported by the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF). This new accolade allows NRHA to honor a person/entity who enacts a measurable, positive influence on the industry....

Paint Horse Exhibitors Walk Away with More Than $1 Million in Cash and Prizes at 2019 APHA World Show
October 11, 2019
American Paint Horse exhibitors pocketed a record $1 million-plus in cash and prizes at the 2019 American Paint Horse Association World Championship Show (APHA World Show), which was held September 16-29 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. More than 1,030 horses were on display with more than...

Reining Reality Series Debuts
July 24, 2019
A new television series debuted on the Paramount Network, Wednesday, July 24, 2019. The program chronicles the journey of eight horse reining professionals as they prepare for a Western-based competition. “The Last Cowboy,” an unscripted television series, airs Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET, immediately following “Yellowstone,” the Paramount Network’s popular...

Glossary of Reining Moves
April 8, 2019
Reining combines speed, control and exciting maneuvers that will make your heart pound. Each of the moves in a reining pattern is designed to show how athletic and well-trained your horse is. The sport originated from the maneuvers of a good ranch horse working cattle. Calculating Reining Moves You have...

Train Your Reining Horse to Spin
March 11, 2019
The goals of the spin in reining are speed, precision, and keeping the hind foot in place. Working on your horse’s lateral flexion will prepare him for a good spin. Once the horse is supple, working on collection will help him to be light on the front end for the...