November 2002

It’s All About Parts

Attention to each element of your reining maneuver will add points.

“Spinning or stopping are just small parts ûof a pattern,” said Stetz. “Getting around ûthe pen is the big deal.”

As reining continues to attract new participants, the pressure has increased on nonprofessional riders to master maneuvers that move performance scores into the plus marks. Maneuvers like the sliding stop are composed of three individual elements: the before, the during, and the after.

“Spinning and stopping are just small parts of a pattern. Getting around the pen is the big deal,” said NRHA judge, trainer and open competitor Joey Stetz of Blandford, Mass. “Sure, your horse can have a good stop, but what riders don’t realize is that they’re also judged on their approach and exit.” …