Reining 101
Reining 101
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 a pre-selected, approved pattern, included in the NRHA Handbook. NBCRA offers classes for ALL skill levels for both riders and horses - whether you’ve never shown a reiner before or are a seasoned competitor, we have a place for you!
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.
As riders progress through competition, they move through a series of class levels that help "level the field." NRHA maintains an extensive database of statistics and eligibility lists to enable exhibitors to understand which events they are qualified to enter and/or are no longer eligible to enter.
before you show
MEMBERSHIPs
All riders competing in NRHA classes must have a valid National Reining Horse Association membership.
Non Pro and Rookie competitors must obtain Non Pro Status prior to showing.
Open competitors must have a Professional, Non Pro, or Youth membership.
Youth competitors must have a birth date on file.
Owners must have a current General, Professional, Youth, or Non Pro membership.
Riders competing at NBCRA shows (in sanctioned or non-sanctioned classes) must be a member of any Maritime reining club (NBCRA, VRHA, or Scotia Sliders) and insurance with their Provincial Sport Organization (NBEA, NSEF, etc).
ownership & competition licenses
All horses competing in NRHA competition must have a Competition License.
Riders competing in NRHA Youth or NRHA Non Pro classes may only show horses owned by themselves or an immediate family member, unless they have a valid lease filed with NRHA. Definition of “immediate family” is available in the NRHA Handbook.
Ownership and lease restrictions DO NOT apply for NRHA Unrestricted Youth and NRHA Rookie Level I & II classes, or ANY of NBCRA’s non-NRHA classes.
ELIGIBILITY
Owners and riders are responsible for tracking earnings and knowing what classes they are eligible for. Earnings on NRHA classes may be tracked through the ReinerSuite portal. When an eligibility limit is passed through the show year, riders may complete the year in that class or division.
In addition to a class guide on our site, we have multiple seasoned competitors on our Board of Directors that are happy to offer clarification on where you fit!