Reining saddles are used in the Western riding competition called “Reining”. The sport calls for the rider to guide the horse through precise patterns of spins, circles, and stops.
What’s involved in a Reining competition?
The rider gives the horse cues during the lope, which is a slower version of the canter, or he gives the horse cues during the gallop.
Reining is described as the Western form of dressage riding because it requires the horse to be responsive to and in tune with the rider.
However, the aids given to the horse by the rider should not be easily seen by the judges. The horse is then judged based on a set pattern or movements.
Type of Saddle Needed
Because reining is judged based on the rider’s ability to make the horse comply with its cues without the cues being visibly noticed by the judges, reining saddles are needed in this sport.
Reining horse saddles are constructed in such a way must be constructed a certain way.
What Should You Look For in Reining Saddles?
Close Contact Skirts
Competitors should look for a close contact saddle with skirts that allow rider-horse communication through cues.
Horn & Pommel Construction
Reining saddles should have lower horn and pommel so that the reins will be unhindered during movement.
Seat Construction
The seat of a reining saddle should be flatter than other Western saddles so as to enable hip movement. Lastly, because reining is a competition, a little “bling” is added to the saddle.
Reining Saddle Brands & Types
Reining saddles come in different brands. And depending on the company, reining saddles are made with different trees. The higher quality the tree, the more expensive the saddle.
Let’s take a look at a few new reining saddles and some used reining saddles.
Crates Leather Ladies Hand Tooled Reining saddle
For instance, Crates Leather Ladies Hand Tooled Reining Saddle is made with an Equi-Fit reining tree. The tree is made of southern yellow pine and then covered with fiberglass.
The ground seat is very narrow because it’s tailored for a woman. These are handcrafted one by one.
Used Rocking R Medium Reiner 880
Looking to cut down on cost, but not quality?
Here’s another great Reining Saddle, but it’s used, and it’s by Rocking R. This saddle weighs in at 37 pounds, is medium Quarter Horse Bar, suede seat, fiberglass covered wood tree.
Circle Y Ohio Reiner Reining Saddle
Circle Y is known for its excellent craftsmanship and thus, high-quality saddles. If you want to stand out before the judge’s this saddle is for you.
The tree is Dinah Reiner and comes in Regular and Wide.
This is one of the more expensive saddles, but sure worth it. To keep the rider in the correct position, the ground seat is center pocket.
The leg cut in the skirts is for precise cueing. In order for more freedom of movement, the skirts are slightly shorter than the standard Reiner.
Alamo Reining Saddle 1220
This Alamo reining saddle is a wooden and fiberglass-covered tree. It’s a very sturdy and stylish saddle. It features full 7/8 position rigging and stainless steel dees.
If you’re looking for a high-quality Reining saddle, look for a wooden tree that’s either covered in rawhide or fiberglass.
If you found this post helpful, please leave your comments below.
I love your website, as I have been learning so much just by visiting. My good friend is surprised that I have a tiny bit of knowledge regarding different saddles and different types of horse riding. I had not heard of reining, but this sounds like something I would love to watch. Horses are so beautiful and I love the saddles, especially the Circle Y Ohio Reiner Reining Saddle. Great information once again!
Hi Matts Mom. Keep reading my blog and impressing your friends. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my site. Circle Y is an exceptional saddle company.
This is a really interesting and informative post, thank you. I wasn’t aware that you need a special saddle for reining competitions. I was wondering at what age a child can start riding? My daughter is desperate to learn to ride but I feel she’s too young!
Hi Amy. Thank you for commenting. I’m not an expert in terms of when kids can start riding. But I’m thinking maybe 6 years old. But always check with someone who gives riding lessons.
Hi!
Well, I’ve learned something new today. I didn’t know there are specific reining saddles. I always wondered how the rider can communicate his orders (cues) to a horse. Now I know it’s the secret saddle!
And I admire the craftsmanship! These leather saddles look just gorgeous!
I wish to learn to ride one day
Mary
Hi Mary! Thanks for commenting. Yes, the secret lies in the saddle. Amazing, right?
How interesting!
I kept reading about “trees” and finally figured out this is actually saddle fabrication terminology – Love learning something new everyday!
I’m sure how much a saddle is used determines the length of time before having to replace it but is there ever a trade off when choosing a type of leather (for looks or durability) over construction (for desired design or overall weight) or is it possible to have the best of both worlds – aesthetics and durable construction?
Susan
Hi Susan. No tradeoffs. You can have the best of both worlds.
Thanks Salisha!
Any western movies (Old West type) where this type of riding is shown?
Ravi
I don’t know. I’m not a Western movie kind of gal.
Hey Salisha!
This is a very informative post!
The saddles are beautiful! I love how the Alamo saddle looks!
I love Western films…(Good, Bad and The Ugly, Bonanza..you name it!)
Are these saddles what was used in these films also?
What’s the difference between a Western saddle and a normal saddle?
I didn’t know that saddles were made from trees! This was quiet interesting.
Final question: How is reining different from a normal horse race?
Ravi
Hi Ravi. Thanks for your questions! There’s no such thing as a “normal” saddle. There are Western saddles and English saddles. The short answer is that there are huge differences in terms of the style of riding and the saddles themselves. English saddles are made very different from Western saddles because of the different type of riding each entail. As for your last question. Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope or the gallop. A horse race is just that – horses racing. I hope I’ve answered your questions.
This is a great resource for people that are looking to get into horse riding or just want to learn something new. I am not much of a rider but I do admire the skill it takes to do something like this and I do intend to learn to ride in the near future. Thanks for sharing such useful info!
Hi there. Thank you, Aria. I love your name. Yes, horseback riding is fun. I haven’t done it in years though but will get back into it soon.
Thank you for clarifying the difference between a reining saddle and a Western saddle. If you had to give an honest opinion, would you suggest trying out a used saddle or buying a new one if you are a serious competitor? Thank you.
Hi Colleen. Thanks for your question. If you’re a serious competitor, I’d say go for a brand new saddle because then you’ll know it’s in tiptop shape.
These are incredible! I did not realize that these saddles exist! I knew that reining shows required the rider to make the horse comply with all his/her needs, but I figured that was done through tons of practice and a random saddle of the rider’s choosing. Another great post!
Hi Andrew. Thank you for your comment. Yes, a lot of people think the horse’s compliance is just based on training and practice – and it is to a large extent, but if the saddle is too bulky, it’s hard for the horse to feel the rider’s cues.
Hi there! i never knew how saddles played any significant role on a horse, then again i never really knew anything about horse riding. Its one of those “the more you know” pieces of work and i appreciate that 🙂
I wish you every success in the future
Thank you Zulfan for your comment. There’s so much to learn about Western saddles.
Once again you have truly shown me what to buy for reining and I want to thank you for such an honest article and so informative
Loving western riding but need to upgrade on some gear that is for sure
Hi Vicki. Thanks for your comment. You can always visit The Horse Saddle Shop to upgrade your gear.
You have some beautiful saddles there. I’m not at all an expert on horses but I’ve been looking for a saddle for my granddaughter. She’s six years old as has been fortunate enough to have been given a beautiful Welsh pony that stands about 13 Hands. I have no idea what to buy for her. Would any of the saddles you mention fit a pony ? Jim
Hi Willem. Thank you for your question. While none of the saddles in my post would be a good fit for your 6-year old daughter, you can find new training saddles at the Horse Saddle Shop. And since she’s new to riding, I suggest you buy her a used training saddle as it will be more cost effective. Once she gets older and more experienced, and you know she wants to make this a serious hobby, you can upgrade to a new training saddle.