The Workings of the Reining Saddle
The reining event has become popular in the horse industry. The reining saddle is designed to keep the horse's balance and agility and give him freedom of movement. Reining is an event where winning a single championship at a national competition can make a horse and trainer on a level with the fastest race-horse in the Kentucky derby.Reining is a judged event that is designed to show the athletic ability of a well bred ranch horse. You are to run several patterns such as small, slow circles, large, fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins and fast sliding stops. The saddle each rider uses must not impede the horse and the rider must be placed in proper balance while the horse is galloping while doing lighting fast, precise moves.
The name of the game is close contact with the horse. A reining saddle is usually made with cut-outs in the skirt; the bars of the tree are trimmed down where the rider sits ; seat is made narrower giving the rider even more contact with the horse. This makes more stability in the stops and spins. A way to make the riders legs more free-moving and improve balance, the fenders are hung from the center of the tree rather than forward. The rigging is then dropped in order for the latigo straps to lie flat against the horse's sides. In this way the fenders don't get caught in the equipment. The horn is narrow and medium in height so that it doesn't interfere with the rider's hands yet allows light use.
A well-built reining saddle will sit balanced and level on the horse's back, evenly distributing the rider's weight. Every detail on the reining saddle lends itself to fined tuned stability and performance, and comfort. This rig is an event specific piece of equipment that must sustain long, effortless slides and fast heart-stopping spins. Competitors range in age, and are from a variety of backgrounds. Competitions can be found all over the world and the horses can be of any breed, sex, color or size. All riders must wear appropriate western clothing while performing their patterns. And the saddles must be perfect.
The required movements are as follows:
*Walk-In
*Stops
*Circles
*Spins
*Rollbacks
*Circles
*Hesitate
*Run-downs and Run-arounds
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 2:25 PM
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