Riat Licensing Exam: Reining

If you would like to apply for a trainer's license in speed events, please answer the following questions. When you are finished answering them, please e-mail them to admin@riata-online.net.

  1. To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to ______________.
  2. What are the two types of spins a horse is capable of? Which is preferred by judges? Is it possible for a horse to learn both?
  3. How many patterns are approved by the AHQA? By the NRHA?
  4. Name four qualities of a good reining horse.
  5. When training a colt, what traits would he have that would make you think he could be a good reining horse?
  6. Describe the process of training a horse how to spin.
  7. Failure to follow a reining pattern is considered what?
  8. Name four pieces of tack considered illegal in reining.
  9. What are five ways a horse can get an automatic score of zero in reining?
  10. What leg should a horse pivot on?
  11. What all should your horse know before starting reining training? Be specific and detailed.
  12. Training problem: Your horse starts to drift and you have trouble making the same size circles. What is a way to fix this?
  13. Training problem: What is scotching and what is it a result of?
  14. Training problem: Your horse stops hard on his front end, and generally works off his front end. How do you fix this? What is the 'proper' approach to a sliding stop? How can you aid this? What outside elements can shorten a horses' stop? How can you get your horse on his hocks more?
  15. Training problem: Your horse drops his shouldar and/or is leaning into his circles. How do you fix this?
  16. Training problem: Your colt wants to use his outside hind foot as a pivot foot. How do you fix this?