Supporters believe that the sport of reining is on the threshold of Olympic inclusion. Reining is the only Western equestrian discipline approved for Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) competition. Reining is a judged equestrian event, sometimes called “western dressage”. The horse is required to run through one of ten approved patterns, with the horse maneuvering through small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins done in place, and sliding stops.
I have received unconfirmed reports that it was an exhibition sport at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and maybe even in Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996. Reining is expected to take its place as an Olympic equestrian sport eventually (but not before 2020).
Related Pages
- Discontinued Equestrian Events
- Discontinued Sports List sorted by alphabetical order.
- About demonstration sports
- Equestrian at the Olympic Games
