Reining Scoring System:
The sport of Reining has created one of the most comprehensive and finely-tuned judging and scoring systems in the equestrian industry. Judge’s score each horse between 0 and infinity, with 70 denoting an average score. Each horse automatically begins the pattern with a 70. The scoring system then gives or takes away up to 1 ½ points on each maneuver and penalties may be accrued for incorrect maneuver execution. For more detail on pluses and minuses, see the "Mechanics of Scoring" section below.
As the judges watch the horse’s execution of the pattern, a scribe keeps track of each judge’s maneuver scores and penalty marks. Scores are then tabulated and announced at the end of each run. The judge’s sheets with individual maneuver scores and total scores are then posted for the benefit of the exhibitors following each class.
In scoring, credit is given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority when performing the various maneuvers. Although Reining is not a timed event, controlled speed raises the difficulty level and makes the Reining horse more exciting to watch.
USA Reining approved judges have completed a judge’s selection process through one of our partner organizations and successfully passed a series of tests.
The patterns used in the sport of Reining are built to showcase the sport, the horses and the athletes in the best possible way, ranging in degree of difficulty and challenging elements. USA Reining uses the same patterns as the FEI and USEF, and are nearly identical to AQHA and NRHA patterns.
Examples of these FEI Reining patterns are available here, along with an AQHA scorecard for each pattern so that you can follow along. As you read the scorecard, the maneuver scores are kept separate from the penalty points for each maneuver until the end calculation for that run. You’ll see the specifically designated area on the scorecard for each.
Join us at a USA Reining event, or on one of our show broadcasts and sore along with the judges. What better place to learn than along with the world’s best horses and riders?
Mechanics of Scoring:
Scoring is on the basis of zero (0) to infinity, and 70 is an average score for a horse that made no errors but also did not perform maneuvers with a higher level of difficulty. Points for each maneuver are added or subtracted by 1/2, 1, and 1-1/2 point increments for each of the 7 to 8 maneuvers in the designated pattern as follows:
Each part of the pattern is judged on precision, smoothness, and finesse. The “degree of difficulty” for each maneuver, typically related to speed and agility, is also assessed. Increased speed increases the difficulty of most movements and the potential for a high score. For example, a perfectly executed fast spin will score higher than an equally perfectly executed slow one. A score below 70 reflects deductions for poorly performed movements or penalties, a score above 70 reflects that some or all movements were above average.
In addition to the scores for each maneuver, a large variety of penalties may be assessed for specific infractions. Penalties may range from a half-point (1/2) to five (5) points for each infraction, and in some cases a significant error may result in a zero score (0) for the run. Certain misbehavior may incur penalty points beyond a poor score for a given maneuver. Significant errors, such as going off pattern, will result in a "zero score". Major mistakes, such as failure to present the horse for an equipment check, a rider with illegal equipment or one who abuses the animal in specified ways, result in a "no score," which prevents the horse from earning any award or prize money.
The sport of Reining has created one of the most comprehensive and finely-tuned judging and scoring systems in the equestrian industry. Judge’s score each horse between 0 and infinity, with 70 denoting an average score. Each horse automatically begins the pattern with a 70. The scoring system then gives or takes away up to 1 ½ points on each maneuver and penalties may be accrued for incorrect maneuver execution. For more detail on pluses and minuses, see the "Mechanics of Scoring" section below.
As the judges watch the horse’s execution of the pattern, a scribe keeps track of each judge’s maneuver scores and penalty marks. Scores are then tabulated and announced at the end of each run. The judge’s sheets with individual maneuver scores and total scores are then posted for the benefit of the exhibitors following each class.
In scoring, credit is given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority when performing the various maneuvers. Although Reining is not a timed event, controlled speed raises the difficulty level and makes the Reining horse more exciting to watch.
USA Reining approved judges have completed a judge’s selection process through one of our partner organizations and successfully passed a series of tests.
The patterns used in the sport of Reining are built to showcase the sport, the horses and the athletes in the best possible way, ranging in degree of difficulty and challenging elements. USA Reining uses the same patterns as the FEI and USEF, and are nearly identical to AQHA and NRHA patterns.
Examples of these FEI Reining patterns are available here, along with an AQHA scorecard for each pattern so that you can follow along. As you read the scorecard, the maneuver scores are kept separate from the penalty points for each maneuver until the end calculation for that run. You’ll see the specifically designated area on the scorecard for each.
Join us at a USA Reining event, or on one of our show broadcasts and sore along with the judges. What better place to learn than along with the world’s best horses and riders?
Mechanics of Scoring:
Scoring is on the basis of zero (0) to infinity, and 70 is an average score for a horse that made no errors but also did not perform maneuvers with a higher level of difficulty. Points for each maneuver are added or subtracted by 1/2, 1, and 1-1/2 point increments for each of the 7 to 8 maneuvers in the designated pattern as follows:
- -1 ½ for an extremely poor execution.
- -1 for very poor.
- - ½ for poor.
- 0 for correct with no degree of difficulty.
- +1/2 for good execution.
- +1 for very good.
- + 1 ½ for excellent.
Each part of the pattern is judged on precision, smoothness, and finesse. The “degree of difficulty” for each maneuver, typically related to speed and agility, is also assessed. Increased speed increases the difficulty of most movements and the potential for a high score. For example, a perfectly executed fast spin will score higher than an equally perfectly executed slow one. A score below 70 reflects deductions for poorly performed movements or penalties, a score above 70 reflects that some or all movements were above average.
In addition to the scores for each maneuver, a large variety of penalties may be assessed for specific infractions. Penalties may range from a half-point (1/2) to five (5) points for each infraction, and in some cases a significant error may result in a zero score (0) for the run. Certain misbehavior may incur penalty points beyond a poor score for a given maneuver. Significant errors, such as going off pattern, will result in a "zero score". Major mistakes, such as failure to present the horse for an equipment check, a rider with illegal equipment or one who abuses the animal in specified ways, result in a "no score," which prevents the horse from earning any award or prize money.
