Scoring System
How Reining is Scored
Base score, maneuver increments, and what the numbers mean
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Reining is scored on a scale of zero to infinity, with 70 representing an average performance. Judges evaluate each maneuver group separately, adding or subtracting from that 70-point base. The final score is the sum of all maneuver scores plus 70.
| Maneuver Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| +1½ | Excellent — exceptional degree of difficulty, no errors |
| +1 | Very Good — above average execution |
| +½ | Good — slightly above average |
| 0 | Correct — average, no degree of difficulty, no errors |
| -½ | Slightly below average — minor faults |
| -1 | Below average — noticeable faults |
| -1½ | Poor — major faults in execution |
- Scores are announced after each horse works
- All ties for 1st place are worked off if both exhibitors agree; otherwise a mutually agreed tie-breaker (e.g. coin flip) determines the winner of awards
- If a rider declines a run-off, they forfeit 1st place to the other tied exhibitor
- Exception: Snaffle Bit and Hackamore aged events — a run-off is not required for 1st place
Source: 2026 NRHA Handbook, published February 2026. Always verify at nrha.com/handbook for the most current version.
Penalties
Penalty Score Zero (0)
Situations that result in a zero regardless of pattern execution
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A penalty score of zero means the horse receives a 0 for that maneuver — not for the entire run. However, certain violations result in a score of 0 for the entire run. Judges report these as "penalty score zero" to distinguish them from a maneuver score of 0.
- Use of two hands on the reins — only one hand permitted when showing in a curb bit (exceptions: snaffle bit, hackamore, freestyle, green, ride & slide, para-reining, and youth 10 & under classes)
- Changing hands on the reins — the rein hand must not be changed during the pattern
- More than index/first finger between split reins — only index finger or no fingers between split reins at any time
- Over-spinning more than ¼ circumference — an additional maneuver is deemed included, resulting in 0
- Failure to complete the pattern as written — including failure to jog the majority of the way to center on a jog-in
- Inclusion of an additional maneuver — performing extra maneuvers not called for in the pattern
- Completely stopping forward motion during a required downward speed transition
Source: 2026 NRHA Handbook. Some penalty score zero situations are referenced throughout multiple sections.
5-Point Penalties
The five situations that trigger an automatic 5-point deduction
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Five situations require a judge to automatically apply a 5-point penalty. These are the most serious penalties short of a no-score or disqualification.
-5
Spurring Forward of Cinch
Contact with the horse forward of the cinch — judge must confirm contact was made
-5
Using Hand to Instill Fear or Praise
Using either free hand to frighten or reward the horse during the run
-5
Holding the Saddle
Grabbing the saddle with either hand (exceptions: freestyle, green, ride & slide, youth 10 & under, riders 65+ in non-pro only)
-5
Blatant Disobedience
Clear, obvious refusal by the horse to perform a required maneuver
-5
Horse Drops to Knees or Hocks
Horse drops to knees or hocks in a manner that cannot be considered a fall (shoulder/hip/underline does not touch ground)
- A horse that hits its hocks while performing a sliding stop does NOT receive the penalty — only a horse that drops to its hocks due to clear loss of balance
- The same distinction applies during spins — a horse turning with its hock touching the ground is different from dropping due to loss of balance
2-Point & Other Penalties
Break of gait, freeze ups, leads, spins, wall, and center penalties
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2-point penalties apply when a horse breaks gait during pattern execution, freezes up in a spin or rollback, or jogs more than two strides when exiting a rollback. Judges may review 2-point penalties via video when available.
- Break of gait — -2 pts: Horse clearly breaks from lope during pattern execution. A rear foot briefly slipping during a downward transition without loss of cadence is NOT a break of gait
- Freeze up in spin/rollback — -2 pts: A brief but obvious refusal to continue the spin or rollback. If horse under-spins more than ¼ circumference and is properly realigned before next maneuver, it is a freeze up (-2)
- Jog more than 2 strides exiting rollback — -2 pts: Jogging up to ½ arena or ½ circle; beyond that is a 0
- Out of lead — -1 pt per ¼ circle: Cumulative — 1 point added for each ¼ circumference a horse is out of lead
- Delayed lead change (1 stride) — -½ pt: Change of lead delayed by one stride where a change is required by the pattern
- Over/under spin up to ⅛ circumference — -½ pt: Beyond shoulder width but within ⅛ of the spin circumference
- Over/under spin up to ¼ circumference — -1 pt: Larger deviation in stopping position
- Wall penalty — -½ pt: Failure to remain minimum 20 feet from the side of the arena when approaching a stop/rollback in patterns requiring a run-around the end
- Center penalty — -½ pt: Failure to remain minimum 10 feet from either side of center in patterns requiring a run-around
Equipment Rules
Legal Equipment — Bits, Hackamores & Reins
What tack is permitted in NRHA competition
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Equipment must meet strict NRHA specifications. Using illegal tack can result in disqualification. When in doubt, have equipment inspected by the show steward before competing.
- Curb bit: Shanks maximum 8½" length; mouthpiece bars must be round/oval/egg-shaped, 5⁄16" to ¾" diameter; port maximum 3½" high; only one point of pull; slip/gag bits, donuts, and flat polo mouthpieces are NOT acceptable
- Snaffle bit: Conventional O-ring, egg-butt, or D-ring with ring no larger than 4" and no smaller than 2"; mouthpiece must be round, smooth, free of wire; optional curb strap acceptable but curb chains are NOT
- Hackamore: Must be round, uniform braided rawhide or leather with non-metal flexible core; noseband minimum 5½" of smooth material; maximum ¾" diameter at cheek; minimum ½" diameter; minimum one finger space between bosal and nose; horsehair bosals and mechanical hackamores are PROHIBITED
- One hand only: When showing in a curb bit, only one hand on reins — index finger only or no fingers between split reins at any time; palm must be down, on top of reins in traditional western fashion
- Curb strap/chain: Required with curb bit; must be minimum ½" width, lie flat against jaw, free of barbs/wire/twists
- Weighted tails: Legal. However, any device attached directly to the tailbone or that alters circulation of the tail is PROHIBITED
- Bit guards: Legal — must be round, soft, flexible disk approximately 3.5" diameter; cannot be fixed to the shank
Eligibility & Membership
NRHA Membership Requirements
Who must be a member and how to get your ID number
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All riders and owners of horses showing in NRHA approved competition must be NRHA members in good standing. This includes business entities that own horses. Your NRHA ID number must appear on all entry forms.
- Every member receives a membership card with an ID number — must be shown to the show secretary when entering NRHA approved classes (card or photocopy)
- New and renewing members can apply online or at any NRHA approved show
- Temporary card is issued and valid for 45 days from issue date
- Entry forms must identify owners and riders with current NRHA ID numbers; horses must be identified with the correct competition license number
- Any deviation in ID information may affect NRHA earnings and awards records
- NRHA memberships commence when application and fees are received; annual (12-month) and three-year (36-month) options available
- Violations of NRHA rules may result in fines, forfeitures, probation, and/or disciplinary procedures
Non Pro Eligibility
Who qualifies as a Non Pro and how eligibility is lost
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A Non Pro is a person who competes without receiving compensation for training or instruction activities. Non Pro status is carefully defined and can be lost — and regained — based on specific conditions.
- Earnings cap: Must not have won more than $200,000 in Open reining competition (Categories 1, 2 and 6) at time of application
- No remuneration in prior 3 years for: training or showing astride in any equine discipline; or giving instruction on the showing or training of a performance horse
- Remuneration is defined as money/pay/financial gain OR goods, services, or discounts received in return for work
- Training means mounted preparation of a horse with intent to improve its performance in any equine discipline
- Occasional and irregular encouragement or collaboration among Non Pros is NOT considered "giving instruction"
- Ineligible period: A person who loses Non Pro eligibility must wait 3 years before re-applying — during which they may only show in Open competition. This period is reduced to 1 year under specific conditions outlined in the handbook
Youth Rules
Age requirements, horse ownership rules, and youth show conditions
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Any youth 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 may join the NRHA Youth Program. Youth may show in any NRHA class for which they are eligible and may also compete in Non Pro classes with a Youth Non Pro card.
- Youth must have birthdate on file with NRHA office prior to showing
- Youth membership entitles a youth to show in any NRHA class for which they are eligible
- To show in NRHA Non Pro classes, youth must obtain an NRHA Youth Non Pro card
- Youth may NOT show in Rookie Professional
- Horse ownership for Youth 13 & Under and 14-18 classes: Horse must be solely owned by the youth, an immediate family member, or a family-owned business entity
- Leased horses: May be shown in youth competition — lessee must submit completed lease application and all fees prior to competing
- Youth divisions: 10 & Under (Short Stirrup), 13 & Under, and 14-18
Patterns & Maneuvers
NRHA Maneuvers Explained
What judges look for in stops, spins, circles, and rollbacks
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All NRHA patterns are divided into seven or eight maneuver groups. Judges score each group separately. Here is what constitutes an ideal execution of each maneuver type.
- Walk-in / Jog-in: Horse should appear relaxed and confident. Any action creating appearance of intimidation (starting, stopping, checking) is a fault. On a jog-in, horse must jog the majority (over ½ the distance) to center — failure to do so results in a 0
- Stops: Slowing from a lope to a stop by bringing hind legs under the horse in a locked position, sliding on hind feet. Horse should enter the stop position by bending the back, bringing hind legs further under while maintaining forward motion and ground contact
- Spins: Horse must stop and start in a precise direction within the arena. Spinning on the inside hind foot as a pivot. Must stop within a shoulder-width of the required position
- Circles: Large fast circles and small slow circles are distinct — the difference in size and speed must be obvious. Lead changes must be executed at the center of the arena (flying lead changes)
- Rollbacks: After a stop, horse turns 180° over the hocks and departs in the new direction without hesitation. Horse should not take extra steps before departure
- Back-up: Horse moves backward in a straight line with impulsion, light contact, and cadence
- Hesitate: A brief, distinct pause between maneuvers to demonstrate horse is under control and ready for the next maneuver
Official NRHA Patterns Overview
Quick reference for all 18 numbered patterns plus A and B
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NRHA has 18 numbered patterns plus Pattern A and Pattern B (20 total). Each show specifies which pattern will be used. Patterns vary in the order and combination of maneuvers but all include stops, spins, circles, and lead changes.
Pattern 1
Rollbacks → stop → spins → circles (left first)
Pattern 2
Circles → rollbacks → stop → spins
Pattern 3
Run-arounds → circles → long run/stop → spins
Pattern 4
Circles/stop → spins → figure eight → rollbacks → stop
Pattern 5
Circles/stop → spins (left first) → figure eight → rollbacks → stop
Pattern 6
Spins → circles → run-around → stop
Pattern 7
Circles → run-around → spins → stop
Pattern 8
Spins → rollbacks → circles
Patterns 9–18
Advanced combinations — see official handbook for full breakdown
Pattern A & B
Special event patterns — see official handbook
Tip: NRHA also offers a free Handbook App (iOS/Android) with searchable patterns and rules.
Jackpot & Affiliate Shows
Jackpot Affiliate Show Rules
How NRHA-affiliated jackpots differ from approved shows
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Jackpot Affiliate shows are run by established NRHA Affiliates and must follow specific conditions. They differ from fully approved shows in several important ways — including no NRHA retainage fee and entry fee limits.
- Must be held by an established NRHA Affiliate — cannot be restricted by any means other than requirements set forth
- $50 show application fee must be submitted with the show approval form
- Only Classes from Categories 1, 3, 5, and 9 can be held
- Can be jackpot only OR may have less than $500 in added money for the entire show
- Entry fees can be no more than 10% of the added money in the class; for pure jackpot classes, entry fees can be no more than $50
- Show management does NOT remit the NRHA 5% retainage fee
- Show management can retain any percentage of the entry fees
- Category 1 classes limited to one run; number of entries cannot be restricted
- Youth jackpot entry fee max: $10; Rookie Level 1 max: $20
Read the Full Official Handbook
This guide covers the most commonly referenced rules. For complete regulations, always refer to the official 2026 NRHA Handbook — the authoritative source for all competition rules.
📖 Official 2026 NRHA Handbook