Last month we looked at Herd Work, the first of the three cowhorse futurity events.  The second part of the futurity competition is the Rein Work or the Dry Work. This is where the horse and rider exhibit their athletic prowess by executing maneuvers in a set pattern. It is so awesome to see three-year-olds “going for it” in a reining pattern. To make the finals in the futurity you have to be strong in all three events, but the Rein Work is a great place for someone who has an average Herd Work score to make up some points. The circles are fast, the spins are faster and the stops are huge. 

Intro to Rein Work

In cowhorse competition, there are 10 patterns that are different combinations of the same maneuvers.  These patterns are judged on a score of –1½ to +1½. The pattern usually begins with some variation of three circles--for example, two large, fast circles and one small, slow circle. The horse is judged on how willfully guided it is and how easily it changes speed between large/fast and small/slow. In each maneuver the degree of difficulty, or speed of controlled execution, generally results in a higher maneuver score. After each set of circles, the rider changes leads. This is scored as a part of the circle maneuver. 

The next portion is rundowns and stops.  Horses are judged on their ability to rate in the rundown, the speed of the rundown, and how deep and controlled the horse completes a square sliding stop. After each stop, there is a series of either 2½ or 3½ spins.  Speed and correctness of the turn-around and the sharpness of the shut-off are all components of the score. After the last stop of the futurity reining pattern, a back up is called for.  This is included in the scoring for the last stop. The crispness and cadence of the back up help to increase the maneuver score.

Terminology

Break of gait: A horse is loping and breaks down to a trot or a walk. This often happens in the transition from a large, fast to a small, slow circle. Two point penalty.  Stopping any time during the pattern results in a score of zero.

Drag a lead or unsimultaneous lead change: This generally happens during a lead change and is when a horse changes leads in the front legs but not in the back.  One point penalty for each ¼ circle.

Jumping out of a turn: This is when a horse starts a spin too fast and leaps out of the spin.

Kick out: At any point of the pattern, but usually during a lead change, the horse kicks one or both feet either out or up. In the reining event, this is a guarantee you will be making no money on the run unless everyone else in the class goes off pattern or falls off. This is a big five point penalty.

Late or early lead change: The horse changes either before or after the center of the figure eight. One point penalty.

Missing a marker: Stopping short of or failing to run by the designated markers when running down to a sliding stop.

Off pattern: Any deviation from the order or description of the pattern to be performed, resulting in a score of zero.

Over/under spin: Stopping either before or after the shut-off point for a turnaround. 1/8 turn over/under spin is a ½ point penalty, up to ¼ turn is a one point penalty, and anything over ¼ spin results in a score of zero.

Popping a lead  or out of lead: This occurs when a horse is loping a circle and slips out of lead in the hind or front end. One point penalty for each ¼ circle.

Scotch: When a horse anticipates or attempts a stop before the cue is given. One point penalty.

Trot off: When a horse trots before the lope. ½ point penalty for the first two strides, two points for more than two strides.

Wormy dog: Though not a technical term, it is often used to describe a huge stop. This is when a horse stops so hard and deep that he appears to be scooting across the dirt, emulating a dog with a worms.

Zero Score can be given for the following reasons:

·      Failure to complete the pattern

·      Using more than one hand in a bridle or two rein class

·      Fingers between the reins in a bridle class

·      Horse balking

·      Bloody mouth

·      Illegal equipment

·      Leaving the working area without completing the pattern

·      Fall of the horse or rider

·      Backing more than two strides or four steps when it is not called for in the pattern

·      Trotting more than ½ a circle or ½ the length of the arena

Want to learn more about upcoming NRCHA events? Go to www.NRCHA.com for event dates, draws, and webcast information.

Next Month: Cow Work!