How NRHA Scoring Works
Every reining run begins with a base score of 70 points. Judges add or subtract from that base using increments of 0.5, ranging from -1.5 (extremely poor) to +1.5 (excellent) for each scored maneuver. A score of zero means the maneuver was correct with no degree of difficulty â it is neither rewarded nor penalized. Scores above 70 indicate positive maneuvers; scores below 70 indicate penalties. The highest possible score in a clean run with all +1.5 maneuvers is 70 plus the sum of all positive marks.
Penalties are assessed separately and deducted from the final score. Common penalties include: out of lead or wrong lead (+1 penalty), break of gait in circles (+2), spurring in front of the cinch during a spin (+5), and a horse that falls or the rider falls off results in disqualification. Understanding the penalty structure is as important as understanding the scoring â a beautiful run can be ruined by a single avoidable penalty.
NRHA Patterns
NRHA publishes a set of approved patterns that are used in all affiliated shows. Patterns vary in the sequence and combination of maneuvers â circles, spins, rundowns, stops, rollbacks, and backups â and show management selects which pattern will be used at each event. Patterns are posted in advance so competitors can walk them on foot, rehearse the sequence mentally, and plan their approach to each maneuver.
Study the pattern before you enter the pen. Know exactly where your large circles begin and end, where your rundown starts, where your stop and rollback are executed, and how many spins are required in each direction. A horse that performs every maneuver correctly but in the wrong location or wrong sequence will receive score reductions or be disqualified.
Classes and Divisions
NRHA offers classes for every level of horse and rider. The Open division is for professional trainers showing horses for hire. The Non-Pro division is for amateur riders who do not accept remuneration for training horses. Limited divisions restrict eligibility based on lifetime earnings. Novice, Rookie, and Youth divisions provide entry-level competition for newer participants. The Futurity is restricted to three-year-old horses, the Derby to four and five year olds, and the Classic to older horses.
Choosing the right class is important â entering too competitive a division when your horse or your riding is not ready can be discouraging, while entering too limited a division when you are more advanced is not a good use of competition experience. Talk with your trainer about the right entry level for your current skill set and your horse's training stage.
Entering Your First NRHA Show
NRHA affiliated shows are listed on the NRHA website at nrha.com. Registration requires an NRHA membership for both horse and rider. Entry fees vary by show size and class. Many first-time competitors benefit from attending a show as a spectator before entering â watching how the warm-up pen works, how patterns are ridden, and how scoring is announced reduces the anxiety of competing for the first time and lets you focus on riding when your turn comes.
Watch & Learn
Building a Reining Horse?
Get a personalized plan or find a reining trainer near you.