Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type horse within the confines of a show arena.

In reining, each pattern consists of small fast circles, large slow circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, sliding stops and 360-degree turns on the haunches at speed.

Western performance consists of six classes. Showmanship at halter is a pattern you do with your horse while leading him or her at a walk and jog, usually with a back and turn on the haunches.

The handler is supposed to set up the horse in a specific manner for the judge to inspect.

Western pleasure, much like English showing is rail work, walking, jogging and loping on the judges request, ending the class by lining up in front of the judge and backing up.

ALSO READ:Horse-riding fun day at Cést la Vie Stables

Ranch pleasure (riding) is a pattern you ride at walk, jog and lope and which includes some poles you ride over, and a buck and turns on the haunches.

In Western horsemanship, the rider’s ability is judged while doing a pattern similar to that of ranch pleasure.

The Western trail class is an obstacle course, consisting of a bridge (wooden or tarp), poles, chutes, backing and a gate that needs to be opened (and closed depending on level of rider).

Western dressage is much the same as English dressage, with a specified test requiring you to do specific manoeuvres in a predefined arena. This arena never changes, unlike the setup for the other performance classes.

Riders are divided according to age group and competency as follows

Short stirrup – up to 11 years of age
Youth – up to 18 years of age
Adult – 18 years and older
Novice – Beginners
Intermediate
Open

Ride & try classes for those wanting to try western for the first time – novice level only – and the qualifier classes for those aiming for nationals in August.

ALSO READ:Where horses and humans roam together

After the week’s rain, organisers were worried that the arena would be wet and that the show would not be able to continue, but Saturday morning started off relatively dry.

All competitors were very excited and there was a variety of experienced and inexperienced riders from all ages.

The day went very smoothly. Unfortunately, the last two classes were rained out as it started pouring down and the arena became too wet to continue. The next qualifier is taking place on April 6 at Pondarosa Ranch. You can contact the club through the website www.bootsandbridles.co.za.