Article & photos by LaCresha Kolba
The 11th annual Tennessee Reining Horse Association (TNRHA) Spinning in the Rein Horse Show went into action the weekend of May 1-3 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. The event drew over 400 horses and competitors, traveling to Murfreesboro, Tennessee from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Georgia, North and South Carolina. Eager riders warmed up their horses while waiting for their turn to take their horses through the reining pattern.
Reining horse competition derives from ranching and Vaqueros working their cattle. The various maneuvers found in a reining pattern, the roll back, slide, hindquarter spin, allow the horse to work cattle quickly and effectively. The TNRHA show was sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association (NHRA). The format for judging reining horses combines technical and stylistic elements, coupled with the degree of difficulty. Watching the reining horses in action is truly exciting! When you see riders who are connected and well rehearsed with their horse the movement is fluid and seamless. In a well executed circle the horse displays a relaxed and rounded manner. A well performed sliding stop, the horse displays the ultimate “rocked back” balance over the hindquarters.
This year’s TNRHA President is Nick Cowan, an active member and competitor. He grew up with horses, and his wife wanted to get involved with reining. As a couple they began riding together as they got involved with the TNRHA. Cowan describes his enjoyment in reining horses, “It was the best sport for me to get into. It offers a challenge with horse and rider one cannot get with any other horse discipline.” Cowan stated his favorite aspect to showing reining horses is the community. “For a lot of us who compete, this is our vacation. It is a great way to get to know people; there is wholesome conversation, a great atmosphere. There are good people involved with this sport. If you need anything, someone is jumping in to help you. Anyone here is willing to help you, if they know you or not – whether it is with your camper, your horse, equipment, with your pattern – there is support and kindness everywhere. You are surrounded by people who are passionate for horses, and their heart is really into this sport and the people involved”.
To get involved with the TNRHA, find more information on their website: www.tnrha.org
The 11th annual Tennessee Reining Horse Association (TNRHA) Spinning in the Rein Horse Show went into action the weekend of May 1-3 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. The event drew over 400 horses and competitors, traveling to Murfreesboro, Tennessee from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Georgia, North and South Carolina. Eager riders warmed up their horses while waiting for their turn to take their horses through the reining pattern.
Reining horse competition derives from ranching and Vaqueros working their cattle. The various maneuvers found in a reining pattern, the roll back, slide, hindquarter spin, allow the horse to work cattle quickly and effectively. The TNRHA show was sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association (NHRA). The format for judging reining horses combines technical and stylistic elements, coupled with the degree of difficulty. Watching the reining horses in action is truly exciting! When you see riders who are connected and well rehearsed with their horse the movement is fluid and seamless. In a well executed circle the horse displays a relaxed and rounded manner. A well performed sliding stop, the horse displays the ultimate “rocked back” balance over the hindquarters.
This year’s TNRHA President is Nick Cowan, an active member and competitor. He grew up with horses, and his wife wanted to get involved with reining. As a couple they began riding together as they got involved with the TNRHA. Cowan describes his enjoyment in reining horses, “It was the best sport for me to get into. It offers a challenge with horse and rider one cannot get with any other horse discipline.” Cowan stated his favorite aspect to showing reining horses is the community. “For a lot of us who compete, this is our vacation. It is a great way to get to know people; there is wholesome conversation, a great atmosphere. There are good people involved with this sport. If you need anything, someone is jumping in to help you. Anyone here is willing to help you, if they know you or not – whether it is with your camper, your horse, equipment, with your pattern – there is support and kindness everywhere. You are surrounded by people who are passionate for horses, and their heart is really into this sport and the people involved”.
To get involved with the TNRHA, find more information on their website: www.tnrha.org
