Scoring

How is Reining Scored

The horse and rider team begin with a score of 70, with a theoretical range of scores considered to be from 60 (if there are no penalties or disqualifications) to 80 (a near-impossible perfect pattern). Points are added or subtracted by 1/2, 1, and 1-1/2 point increments for each of the 7 to 8 maneuvers in the designated pattern. Each part of the pattern is judged on precision, smoothness, controlled speed, authority or aggressiveness while maintaining willingness, the higher the maneuver score.

A score of 70 is considered an average score for a horse that made no errors but also did not perform with exceptional ability. A score below 70 reflects deductions for incorrectly performed movements or misbehavior of the horse, a score above 70 reflects that some or all movements were above average. The more resistance or unwilling the horse appears during a maneuver, or the more maneuvers that lack finesse and smoothness, the lower the maneuver score.

Certain misbehaviors may incur additional penalties beyond a minus score for a given maneuver. Significant errors, such as an over spin (more than one quarter turn), will result in a "zero score", which might still allow a horse in a small class to place. Major errors, such as a rider going off-pattern, result in disqualification, sometimes called a "no score," which prevents the horse from earning any award, even if it is the only horse in the class.