About Reining

Who are we?

The Virginia Reining Horse Association (VRHA) is an affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), which was formed in 1966 and serves as the standard setting body for the sport or reining.

What is Reining?

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena.  In NRHA competition, contestants are required to run one of eleven approved patterns.  Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins done in place and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.