Editing Reining (section)

==Reining competition==
Reining as a sport was first recognized by the [[American Quarter Horse Association]] (AQHA) in 1949, and later by the [[United States Equestrian Federation]] (USEF) in its western division and within a number of its breed divisions. The [[National Reining Horse Association]] (NRHA) was formed in 1966 in the [[United States]], and developed a worldwide membership as well as standardized rules and patterns that significantly influenced other organizations, including the AQHA and USEF. The sport of reining became an [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports|FEI]]-recognized discipline in 2000, and FEI-sanctioned reining competitions are held across the world, including at the [[World Equestrian Games]]. In 2011, [http://www.USAReining.org USA Reining] was established to serve as the reining sport affiliate for the USEF and FEI competition structure in the United States.

Individual divisions at a reining competition vary with the sanctioning organization. However, standard classes include those limited to junior or senior horses, to horses of a specific age (such as three-year-olds), classes for professional, "non-pro," or amateur riders (those who do not work with horses for pay), youth riders of various ages, adult riders over age 40 or 50, as well as open events for all competitors. Classes may also be limited by the experience level of the horse or the rider.

===National===
In individual nations where reining competitions are held, national organizations usually oversee the sport. Reining classes can be held at a stand-alone competition just for reiners, or as one category within many different classes offered at a [[horse show]]. For example, in the United States, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) creates patterns and develops judging standards, sanctioning events open to all breeds. However, the [[United States Equestrian Federation]] (USEF) and its reining discipline affiliate, [http://www.USAReining.org USA Reining], are the national organizations overseeing FEI and high performance competition in the USA, but also work with the NRHA in non-FEI open reining competition sanctioned by the USEF,<ref>[http://www.usef.org 2011 USEF Rule Book, "Reining Horse Division" Rule RN 101] retrieved September 5, 2011</ref> and in individual [[horse breed]] show reining competition governed by the USEF, such as [[Morgan horse|Morgans]] or [[Arabian horse|Arabians]].<ref>[http://www.usef.org 2011 USEF Rule Book, "Arabian Horse Division" Rule AR 199] retrieved September 5, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.usef.org 2011 USEF Rule Book, "Morgan Horse Division" Rule MO 176] retrieved September 5, 2011</ref> Breed organizations that sanction their own shows, including those for [[American Quarter Horse|Quarter Horses]] ([[AQHA]]), [[Appaloosa]]s (ApHC),<ref>2010 Appaloosa Horse Club Rule Book, rule 502</ref> and [[American Paint Horse]]s ([[APHA (horse)|APHA]]) also cooperate with the NRHA.

===International===
International competitions are regulated by the [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports]] ([[International Federation for Equestrian Sports|FEI]]). Reining is growing in popularity around the world, including Europe and Australia. It was added as a part of the [[World Equestrian Games]], beginning in 2002.

===Freestyle===
[[Image:Freestyle reining.jpg|thumb|A competitor in Freestyle reining, dressed as [[Miss Piggy]]]]
Freestyle reining allows a horse and rider team to incorporate reining movements into a three and one-half minute musical routine, akin to the ''KUR'' Freestyle competition in [[Dressage]], but with elements that resemble the freestyle events in human competitions such as [[figure skating]]. Under NRHA rules, costumes are allowed, though not required; riders may ride with one, two or even no hands on any type of NRHA approved bit; props, within certain limits, are allowed; and the show management may allow special arena lighting. Freestyle reining competitions have no specific rules as to [[saddle]], though humane equipment is required. Allowing "no hands" means that some competitors may perform without a [[bridle]], which increases the difficulty of the movements. The rider must include a specified number of spins, stops and flying lead changes in a performance. Rollbacks, rein backs and [[dressage]] type maneuvers such as the [[half-pass]] may be added and scored. Competitors are judged on technical merit and artistic impression. At some competitions, an [[applause meter]] is added and may contribute to the artistic impression portion of the score.<ref>[http://www.nrha.com/handbook/freestylereining.pdf Freestyle reining rules]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319163103/http://www.nrha.com/handbook/freestylereining.pdf |date=March 19, 2006 }}.</ref>

'''College Level'''

Equestrian is a Division 1 and Division 3 sport recognized by the NCAA. single discipline teams are in Division 3, only competing in English, and Division I teams consist of English and western, including reining, horsemanship, flat, and jumping.