WRHA Offers Freestyle Reining Classes at All Events
by Sam Etsell
The National Reining Horse Association offers a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels. One class that appeals to a wide audience is the freestyle. Open to all participants, the freestyle allows competitors to break out their creative side while showing off the basic reining maneuvers. Though the maneuvers may be completed in any order, there are requirements: riders must complete four consecutive spins each direction, three stops, and one lead change each direction. These must be accomplished in a four-minute time frame. The extras are what make the freestyle entertaining for riders and viewers alike. Competitors are encouraged to dress themselves and their mount in costume and do their routine to music. A rider may also use props to enhance the pattern. Freestyle patterns can be performed two handed, one handed or bridle-less. Additional maneuvers such as rollbacks, back-ups, speed changes and even side passes will be judged accordingly. The WRHA is pleased to offer the freestyle class at all its events. Former WRHA president Jeanine Kern has been an avid participant. Kern’s best advice for preparing for freestyle is this: “Practice your routine with an iPod in hand, so you can stop and start your music. If you practice more than a few times, stop your music mid-routine and break pattern every now and then so your horse doesn’t start anticipating the maneuvers. Freestyle is an excellent way to accomplish creative schooling and have fun doing it.” The WRHA is always grateful for the support of its sponsors. We thank all of our Diamond Sponsors: Woodley Ranch, Timberland Homes, Maria Danieli, and Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. We would also like to thank our Platinum Sponsors: Horse Vidz Productions, Eve Willett Agency Insurance, and Seaview Automobiles. Finally, we would like to send gratitude to our Gold Sponsors: Bariatric Advantage, Coastal Community Bank, and Stancik Quarter Horses. Information on WRHA can be found on the web at www.wrha.net or follow us on Facebook.
Published July 2012 Issue
Washington Reining Horse Association’s objective is to promote and encourage the showing of reining horses; and to develop and dissemble informational material deemed desirable to provide contestants and spectators a better understanding of a proper performance of the reining horse in the show arena. Our club has members from under ten years of age to over seventy years old and classes are offered from beginner riders to national level open riders. Learn more at www.wrha.net
