| The reining event at horseshow's around the | | | | making the seat a "deep pocket". The seat is |
| country has become a virtual rising star in | | | | also made narrower giving the rider even more |
| the horse industry. The reining saddle is | | | | contact with the horse, which gives it more |
| designed to optimize the horse's balance, | | | | stability in the stops and spins. In order to |
| agility and freedom of movement. Reining is | | | | make the riders legs more free-moving and |
| an event where winning a single championship | | | | improve on balance, the fenders are hung from |
| at a national competition can make a horse | | | | the center of the tree rather than forward. |
| and trainer the buzz of the entire industry. | | | | The rigging is then dropped in order for the |
| | | | latigo straps to lie flat against the horse's |
| Reining is a judged event that is designed to | | | | sides. In this way the fenders don't get |
| show the athletic ability of a well bred | | | | caught in the equipment. The horn is narrow |
| ranch horse. The rider and horse must run | | | | and medium in height so that it doesn't |
| several patterns such as small, slow circles, | | | | interfere with the rider's hands yet allows |
| large, fast circles, flying lead changes, | | | | light use. |
| roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins | | | | |
| and fast sliding stops. The saddle each rider | | | | A well-built reining saddle will sit balanced |
| uses must not impede the horse and the rider | | | | and level on the horse's back, evenly |
| must be placed in the proper position for | | | | distributing the rider's weight. Every detail |
| balance while the horse is galloping and | | | | on the reining saddle gives it a fined tuned |
| doing all these fast precise moves. Basically | | | | stability for maximum performance, as well as |
| the rider is simply holding on and watching | | | | comfort. This rig is an event specific piece |
| the show. He gives the horse his "head" and | | | | of equipment that must sustain long, |
| lets him do the work. The rider is mearly | | | | effortless slides and fast heart-stopping |
| watching the show. | | | | spins. Competitors range in age, and are from |
| | | | a variety of backgrounds. Competitions can be |
| To maximize balance a reiner saddle is | | | | found all over the world and the horses can |
| usually made with cut-outs in the skirt to | | | | be of any breed, sex, color or size. All |
| enhance the level of communication between | | | | riders must wear appropriate western clothing |
| the horse and rider. Also the bars of the | | | | while performing their patterns. And the |
| tree are trimmed down where the rider sits | | | | saddles must be perfect. |