Reining

  A storm of hoof beats and flying clods of earth erupt as a field of quarter horses explodes off the start, propelled forward by strong, stocky legs and incredibly powerful hindquarters. The high gloss of exertion defines a jumble of cut, brown shoulders and sculpted equine flanks for only a few moments, it seems,...

You’ve purchased your first horse, a different horse, or want to try a new style of riding. Do you need a new saddle? Maybe. Saddles must fit both you and your horse, and be appropriate for the riding you plan to do. Think of it as above and below. Above, the seat size and contour,...

Most historians of western equitation attribute the early beginnings of the sport of reining to contests among vaqueros tending cattle in the Spanish missions. These cowboys took great pride in their horse-handling skills – the ability to effortlessly rein their horses with the large but delicately balanced Spanish bits, to sort and manage cattle, to...

The 2017 Youth National Arabian & Half Arabian Championship Horse Show, which ran from July 22-29, just came to an end after an exciting week of victories, accomplishments, and life long memories. Equestrians spend a considerable amount of time working to receive a national title, but to these athletes it’s not about winning. What matter to these...

PC: Susie Blackmon Off the track thoroughbreds (OTTB) frequently start new careers once their racing days are over. The majority of them compete in jumping and eventing; however, these athletic horses are beginning to appear in the western world too. Gone are the days where everyone owns a Quarter Horse. Thoroughbreds are successfully competing in...

The exciting slides and spins of reining make it one of the fastest-growing equine competitions. The visibility of the sport exploded recently when Team USA dominated the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Back in the USA, Grammy award-winning singer Lyle Lovett shared a video on David Letterman showing the singer and his reining...

PC: Edward Dalmulder Reining is an exciting sport that requires a willing horse and determined rider. During a show, the team performs a pattern that includes a series of movements. The horse must be responsive and the aids of the rider nearly invisible. A judge watches on to score each execution. Beginners and experienced riders...

The versatile descendants of the Justin Morgan horse are sought after for their passionate loyalty, stylish carriage and can-do attitude. Plus, they’re cute. Go figure! Ask just about any cowgirl which Breyer® plastic horse was her favorite growing up and she won’t hesitate to answer. Mine was the (now classic) Justin Morgan Stallion, with whom...