USA Reining/USPEA Para-Reining™ Program
USA Reining, together with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) as well as our founding partners: the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), are thrilled to announce the introduction of Reining into the Para-Equestrian movement by way of Para-Reining™.
Both affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the United States, USA Reining and USPEA are striving to ensure Para-Reining rules and competitions are in line with events hosted at stakeholder shows. Those stakeholders are chiefly USA Reining founding partners AQHA and NRHA. AQHA has added Para-Reining into its existing and thriving Equestrians with Disabilities Program, and NRHA has done the same with a newly launched Adaptive Reining program, now renamed Para-Reining. This allows any Para-Reining event to be multi-approved by any or all of the interested groups, allowing athletes a virtual smorgasbord of options for competitive development.
The role of USA Reining and USPEA are vital as they provide the key pipeline to high performance competition at the international level. A main goal of the effort, Para-Reining athletes could one day earn a spot to represent their nation at international Para-Reining championships.
The goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian disciplines. From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA will provide Para-Equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), USA Reining and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
Both affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the United States, USA Reining and USPEA are striving to ensure Para-Reining rules and competitions are in line with events hosted at stakeholder shows. Those stakeholders are chiefly USA Reining founding partners AQHA and NRHA. AQHA has added Para-Reining into its existing and thriving Equestrians with Disabilities Program, and NRHA has done the same with a newly launched Adaptive Reining program, now renamed Para-Reining. This allows any Para-Reining event to be multi-approved by any or all of the interested groups, allowing athletes a virtual smorgasbord of options for competitive development.
The role of USA Reining and USPEA are vital as they provide the key pipeline to high performance competition at the international level. A main goal of the effort, Para-Reining athletes could one day earn a spot to represent their nation at international Para-Reining championships.
The goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian disciplines. From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA will provide Para-Equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), USA Reining and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
20/1.jpg5 Para-Reining Rules and Safety Guidelines:
Please find below an addendum to the General USA Reining Rules & Regulations, which provides rules and regulations for Para-Reining within the USA Reining, USEF and USPEA governance structure:
© USA Reining 20/1.jpg5, all rights reserved, not meant for duplication or reproduction without written consent by USA Reining, Inc.
© USA Reining 20/1.jpg5, all rights reserved, not meant for duplication or reproduction without written consent by USA Reining, Inc.
| 20/1.jpg5 Para-Reining Rules & Regulations.pdf |
Safety is important in all aspects of sport, especially as you draw nearer to the high performance level. While USA Reining takes no liability or responsibility for the actions of an equestrian in their desired activities, which are inherently risky, we do provide a framework of safety standards. USA Reining encourages all events, participants and officials to use this document as a reference when participating in Para-Reining activities:
© USA Reining 20/1.jpg5, all rights reserved, not meant for duplication or reproduction without written consent by USA Reining, Inc.
© USA Reining 20/1.jpg5, all rights reserved, not meant for duplication or reproduction without written consent by USA Reining, Inc.
| 20/1.jpg5_para-reining_safety_guidelines_v2.pdf |
Next Para-Reining™ Events:
February 2/1.jpg-8/1.jpg: Florida Classic Reining, Tampa, FL
April 25: Kentucky Reining Cup, Lexington, KY
May 30 & 3/1.jpg: New York Reining Horse Association Ride & Slide, Syracuse, NY
July 25: Summer Slide Jackpot, Kirkville, NY
August 8-9: Summer Slidin By, Morrisville, NY
October 22-25: CNYRHA Fall Classic & NE Affiliate Regional Championship, Syracuse, NY
September 23-27: The International, Denver, CO
April 25: Kentucky Reining Cup, Lexington, KY
May 30 & 3/1.jpg: New York Reining Horse Association Ride & Slide, Syracuse, NY
July 25: Summer Slide Jackpot, Kirkville, NY
August 8-9: Summer Slidin By, Morrisville, NY
October 22-25: CNYRHA Fall Classic & NE Affiliate Regional Championship, Syracuse, NY
September 23-27: The International, Denver, CO
Event Approval:
Events are encouraged to support this program by including and promoting Para-Reining classes at their USA Reining, AQHA and NRHA-approved events. For more information, contact us using the button below or click on the PDF file of the Para-Reining™ event approval for form:
Event Approval Form in PDF downloadable file format:
| para-reining_approval_packet.pdf |
Para-Reining™ Levels of Competition:
USA Reining is proud to offer nationally-recognized Para-Reining events in this our first official competition year (20/1.jpg5). Events should offer all five grades at competition so that every possible competitor has an opportunity to show. Approved Events may use NRHA or AQHA Para-Reining patterns, so long as the results sent to USA Reining are divided by grade level for eligibility and year-end awards tracking.
USA Reining will work with any athlete, official or organizing committee to assist in any way within our power. We feel strongly about the growth of Para-Reining in the United States and are ready to help you in any way we can.
Events that are stand-alone USA Reining events, and do not have NRHA or AQHA counterparts for Para-Reining are strongly encouraged to add those approvals. We are happy to help in that process as well.
20/1.jpg5 Grades of Competition:
Level /1.jpga: Walk Only, may be assisted by a coach while competing
Level /1.jpgb: Walk Only, however must be unassisted while competing
Level 2: Walk & Trot Only
Level 3: Walk, Trot & Lope: Para-Reining Riders competing at level three will use AQHA Reining pattern number /1.jpg2, which includes simple lead changes, roll-backs and variations in speed at the lope.
Level 4: Walk, Trot & Lope: Para-Reining Riders competing at level four includes all maneuvers as otherwise prescribed by USA Reining. Level 4 riders will compete using one of the FEI/NRHA Reining patters /1.jpg-/1.jpg0.
USA Reining will work with any athlete, official or organizing committee to assist in any way within our power. We feel strongly about the growth of Para-Reining in the United States and are ready to help you in any way we can.
Events that are stand-alone USA Reining events, and do not have NRHA or AQHA counterparts for Para-Reining are strongly encouraged to add those approvals. We are happy to help in that process as well.
20/1.jpg5 Grades of Competition:
Level /1.jpga: Walk Only, may be assisted by a coach while competing
Level /1.jpgb: Walk Only, however must be unassisted while competing
Level 2: Walk & Trot Only
Level 3: Walk, Trot & Lope: Para-Reining Riders competing at level three will use AQHA Reining pattern number /1.jpg2, which includes simple lead changes, roll-backs and variations in speed at the lope.
Level 4: Walk, Trot & Lope: Para-Reining Riders competing at level four includes all maneuvers as otherwise prescribed by USA Reining. Level 4 riders will compete using one of the FEI/NRHA Reining patters /1.jpg-/1.jpg0.
For events wishing to be additionally approved by NRHA and AQHA
AQHA:
Learn more about Para-Reining within AQHA’s highly developed Equestrians with Disabilities (EWD) programs by clicking on:
http://aqha.com/ewd
AQHA’s programs fit perfectly alongside USA Reining and United States Para-Equestrian Association’s Para-Reining programs. Every event can benefit from approval of all three groups.
NRHA:
NRHA is continuing to develop their Adaptive Reining program. Contact Shianne Megal at the NRHA by email at: smegel@NRHA.com
Learn more about Para-Reining within AQHA’s highly developed Equestrians with Disabilities (EWD) programs by clicking on:
http://aqha.com/ewd
AQHA’s programs fit perfectly alongside USA Reining and United States Para-Equestrian Association’s Para-Reining programs. Every event can benefit from approval of all three groups.
NRHA:
NRHA is continuing to develop their Adaptive Reining program. Contact Shianne Megal at the NRHA by email at: smegel@NRHA.com
The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA)
USA Reining is proud to partner with the United States Para-Equestrian Association as its sister organization in the USEF family of sport affiliates. USPEA is the official sport affiliate of the USEF (national governing body for equestrian sport in the US) for Para-Equestrian activities just as USA Reining is the official sport affiliate of the USEF for the sport of Reining. Additionally, USA Reining holds a tight relationship with it's founding partners, the NRHA and AQHA as invested stakeholders in the effort to bring the sport of Reining to all interested riders and enthusiasts.
The 20/1.jpg4 Rules for Para-Reining are very closely matched to AQHA’s EWD Reining rules. As NRHA’s Adaptive Reining program comes online we will work to integrate into that system as well. We welcome feedback and input on this pilot year and look forward to developing more comprehensive plans for future competition years. The ultimate goal is the full acceptance of Reining as a Para-Equestrian discipline to the high performance level. Participants with high performance aspirations are especially encouraged, although all skill-sets are always welcome. For more information about the United States Para-Equestrian Association, please click on: www.uspea.org
The 20/1.jpg4 Rules for Para-Reining are very closely matched to AQHA’s EWD Reining rules. As NRHA’s Adaptive Reining program comes online we will work to integrate into that system as well. We welcome feedback and input on this pilot year and look forward to developing more comprehensive plans for future competition years. The ultimate goal is the full acceptance of Reining as a Para-Equestrian discipline to the high performance level. Participants with high performance aspirations are especially encouraged, although all skill-sets are always welcome. For more information about the United States Para-Equestrian Association, please click on: www.uspea.org
Links to all our Stakeholders:
Unites States Para-Equestrian Association
American Quarter Horse Association Equestrians With Disabilities Para-Reining
National Reining Horse Association Para-Reining Program
United States Equestrian Federation Para-Equestrian High-Perforamnce Programs
FEI Para-Equestrian Program and Paralympics
High Performance
Additionally, USA Reining's Para-Reining program is working towards inclusion of US athletes at the high performance (international level). Reining is proud to have a seat at the United States Equestrian Federation Para-Equestrian Committee and is continuing it's research using existing International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Dressage Classification of Riders and evaluating a system for Reining athletes. Stay tuned for more updates on that effort.
For those interested in Rider Classification, here are the current FEI Classification Guidelines:
For those interested in Rider Classification, here are the current FEI Classification Guidelines:
FEI Document on Para-Athlete Classification
| /1.jpga20/1.jpg2classificationmanual_final__2/1.jpgfeb_blackversion.pdf |
Archive of Successes at Our 20/1.jpg3-20/1.jpg4 Para-Reining Demonstration Period:
A very special Thank You to everyone involved in the Demonstration Period in 20/1.jpg3 and 20/1.jpg4! Those important and impactful demonstration events allowed us to learn, grow and implement important lessons. We are thrilled to offer fully-recognized Para-Reining sport across the United States. It wouldn't have been possible without these demo events and everyone who volunteered time, energy and donated great Reining horses!
20/1.jpg4 Demo Events:
Click on the link below to read a full recap article from The Quarter Horse Journal.
| press_release_20/1.jpg4_para-reining_at_aqha_world_show.pdf |
Para-Reining top score Derrick Perkins riding Mr Fritz Wood, coached by WEG double-gold medalist and World Champion Reiner Shawn Flarida and assisted by JD Yates.
20/1.jpg3 Demo Events:
A Special Thank You to all involved in the successful Introductory Event held at the 20/1.jpg3 AQHA World Show. Enjoy these images from the Inaugural Para-Reining Event, and scroll down for more information about Para-Reining! (All Photos Credit: Lindsay McCall, USPEA)
Para-Reining Program Press Statements
| world_show_para_announcement.pdf |
| world_show_para-reining_featured_riders_press_release.pdf |
20/1.jpg3 & 20/1.jpg4 Demo Pattern Text:
Level /1.jpg: Walk-Trot Only
Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence:
/1.jpg. At a trot, begin a large circle to the right and followed small circle, change direction in the middle of the arena
2. At a trot, begin a large circle to the left and followed small circle, change direction in the middle of the arena
3. Trot to end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback – no hesitation.
4. Trot to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback -no hesitation.
5. Trot up the middle past the center marker and execute a stop and back.
Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 2: Walk-Trot-Lope
Horses may walk or trot to the center of the arena. Horses must walk or stop prior to starting the pattern. Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.
/1.jpg. Beginning on the left lead, lope two circles to the left. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.
2. Complete two spins to the left. Hesitate.
3. Beginning on the right lead lope two circles to the right. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.
4. Complete two spins to the right. Hesitate.
5. Beginning on the left lead, go around the end of the arena, lope down the right side of the arena past center marker, stop and roll back right.
6. Continue around the end of the arena to run down the left side of the arena past the center marker. Stop. Back up.
Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 3: Para-Reining Riders competing at level three will use AQHA Reining pattern number /1.jpg2, which includes simple lead changes, roll-backs and variations in speed at the lope.
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 4: Para-Reining Riders competing at level four includes all maneuvers as otherwise prescribed by USA Reining. Level 4 riders will compete using one of the FEI Reining patters /1.jpg through /1.jpg0. Competitions will identify the pattern in advance.
*pattern diagram(s) available at the event
Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence:
/1.jpg. At a trot, begin a large circle to the right and followed small circle, change direction in the middle of the arena
2. At a trot, begin a large circle to the left and followed small circle, change direction in the middle of the arena
3. Trot to end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback – no hesitation.
4. Trot to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback -no hesitation.
5. Trot up the middle past the center marker and execute a stop and back.
Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 2: Walk-Trot-Lope
Horses may walk or trot to the center of the arena. Horses must walk or stop prior to starting the pattern. Beginning at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.
/1.jpg. Beginning on the left lead, lope two circles to the left. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.
2. Complete two spins to the left. Hesitate.
3. Beginning on the right lead lope two circles to the right. Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.
4. Complete two spins to the right. Hesitate.
5. Beginning on the left lead, go around the end of the arena, lope down the right side of the arena past center marker, stop and roll back right.
6. Continue around the end of the arena to run down the left side of the arena past the center marker. Stop. Back up.
Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 3: Para-Reining Riders competing at level three will use AQHA Reining pattern number /1.jpg2, which includes simple lead changes, roll-backs and variations in speed at the lope.
*pattern diagram available at the event
Level 4: Para-Reining Riders competing at level four includes all maneuvers as otherwise prescribed by USA Reining. Level 4 riders will compete using one of the FEI Reining patters /1.jpg through /1.jpg0. Competitions will identify the pattern in advance.
*pattern diagram(s) available at the event
