96. REINING
a) Any one of the twelve (12) AQHA-approved reining
patterns can be used and is to be selected by the judge
of the class and used by all contestants in the class.
b) Each contestant will perform the required pattern
individually and separately. All horses will be judged
immediately upon entering the arena and judging will
cease after the last manoeuvre. Any fault incurred prior
to the commencement of a pattern will be scored
accordingly.
c) To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to
control his every movement. The best reined horse
should be wilfully guided or controlled with little or no
apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any
movement on his own must be considered a lack of
control. All deviations from the exact written pattern
must be considered a lack of or temporary loss of
control, and therefore faulted according to severity of
deviation. Credit will be given for smoothness, finesse,
attitude, quickness and authority in performing the
various manoeuvres while using controlled speed.
d) Scoring will be on the basis of 0-Infinity, with 70
denoting an average performance.
96.1 The following will result in no score:
a) Abuse of an animal in the show arena and/or evidence
that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the
exhibition of a horse in competition;
b) Use of illegal equipment, including wire on bits, bosals
or curb chains;
c) Use of illegal bits, bosals or curb chains;
d) Use of tack collars, tie downs or nose bands;
e) Use of whips or bats;
f) Use of any attachment which alters the movement of or
circulation to the tail;
g) Failure to provide horse and equipment to the
appropriate judge for inspection;
h) Disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor.
96.2 Excess rein may be straightened at any place a horse is
allowed to be completely stopped during a pattern; rider‟s
free hand may be used to hold romal in the normal fashion.
96.3 The following will result in a score of 0:
a) Use of more than index or first finger between reins;
b) Use of two (2) hands (exception in snaffle bit or
hackamore classes designated for two (2) hands) or
changing hands;
c) Use of romal other than as outlined in Rule 82.1 e);
d) Failure to complete pattern as written;
e) Performing the manoeuvres other than in specified
order;
f) The inclusion of manoeuvres not specified, inc