Reining lessons teach a specialized Western riding discipline often described as the "dressage of the Western world". It focuses on guiding a horse through precise, athletic maneuvers—such as rapid spins, sliding stops, and fast circles—on a loose rein, requiring minimal apparent effort from the rider.

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Core Components of Reining Lessons

• Maneuvers: Lessons focus on mastering specific movements:

  • Sliding Stops: The horse stops from a gallop, sliding on its hind legs while keeping front legs moving.

  • Spins: Fast, 360-degree turns executed in place, pivoting on a hind leg.

  • Circles: Large, fast circles and small, slow circles that demonstrate speed control.

  • Rollbacks: A 180-degree turn over the hocks immediately following a stop.

  • Lead Changes: Changing the leading legs at a lope in the center of the arena.

• The "Pattern": Unlike freestyle riding, reining requires memorizing a specific pattern of these maneuvers, with different patterns recognized by the NRHA.

• Light Control: A key goal is to achieve "willing guidance". The horse should be controlled by subtle, almost invisible cues from the rider’s legs and body, rather than heavy rein pressure.

• Scoring & Judging: Lessons teach how to improve smoothness, finesse, attitude, and speed, as judges start with a score of 70 and add or subtract points per maneuver. 

What to Expect in a Lesson

• Foundation Building: Beginners often start by learning to properly ask for a stop, turn, and circle at slower speeds, focusing on developing a "soft" horse that accepts light bit pressure.

• Specific Maneuver Practice: Instructors will break down maneuvers, such as working solely on the "spin" or refining the "stop".

• Pattern Work: Riders practice executing patterns from memory to prepare for competition.

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Entry Level Opportunities:

Beginners can start with Green Reiner or "Ride & Slide" classes

$60.00 per session with own horse

$80.00 using provided horse