The scoring of reining horses is on a positive numeric scale with 70 denoting a correct performance. NRHA patterns are comprised of several distinct manoeuvre groups which judge's are asked to evaluate on an individual basis dependant on execution as dictated by the pattern description and the rules for judging. The individual manoeuvres are scored in 1 point increments from a low of -1.5 (extremely poor quality) to a high of +1.5 (excellent quality) with a score of 0 denoting a manoeuvre that is correct with no degree of difficulty. The total of the scores applied to the manoeuvre groups is combined with the starting score of 70 and from this gross manoeuvre score, any penalties are deducted to calculate the horse's final score. So a horse starting on their first manoeuvre with a score of 70 could end up after this first manoeuvre with a score of anything from a low of 68.5 to a high of 71.5 and this continues with every manoeuvre.
All NRHA patterns are divided into 7 or 8 different manoeuvres. These manoeuvres required of a reining horse are as follows:


WALK-IN

The walk-in brings the horse from the gate to the centre of the arena to begin its pattern. The horse should appear relaxed and confident. Any action, which may create the appearance of intimidation including starting and stopping, or checking, is a fault which shall be marked down according to severity.


STOPS

Stops are the act of slowing the horse from a lope (canter) to a stop position by bringing the hind legs under the horse in a locked position sliding on the hind feet. The horse should enter the stop position by bending the back, bringing the hind legs further under the body while maintaining forward motion, ground contact and cadence with front legs. Throughout the stop the horse should continue in a straight line while maintaining ground contact with the hind feet, hence the 'sliding stop'.


SPINS

Spins are a series of 360 degree turns, executed over a stationary (inside) hind leg. Propulsion for the spin is supplied by the outside rear leg and front legs, and contact should be made with the ground and a front leg. The location of hindquarters should be fixed at the start of the spin and maintained throughout the spins.


ROLLBACKS

Rollbacks are the 180 degree reversal of forward motion completed by running to a stop, rolling (turning) the shoulders back to the opposite direction over the hocks and departing in a lope (canter), as one continuous motion. The written pattern states no hesitation. However, a slight pause to regain footing or balance should not be deemed hesitation. The horse should not step ahead or backup prior to rolling back.


CIRCLES

Circles are manoeuvres at the lope (canter), of designated size and speed, which demonstrate control, willingness to guide, and degree of difficulty in speed and speed changes. Circles must at all times be run in the geographical area of the arena specified in the pattern description and must have a common centre point. There must be a clearly defined difference in the speed and size of a small, slow circle, and a large, fast circle; also, the speed and size of small, slow right circles should be similar to the small, slow left circles; and the speed and size of the large, fast right circles should be similar to the large, fast left circles.


BACKUPS

A backup is a manoeuvre requiring the horse to be moved in a reverse motion in a straight line a required distance of at least 10 feet (3 metres).


HESITATE

To hesitate is the act of demonstrating the horse's ability to stand in a relaxed manner at a designated time in a pattern. In a hesitation, the horse should remain motionless and relaxed. All NRHA patterns require a hesitation at the end of the patterns to demonstrate to the judge(s) the completion of the pattern.


LEAD CHANGES

Lead changes are the act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pairs of legs, at a lope (canter), when changing the direction travelled. The lead change must be executed at a lope (canter) with no change of gait or speed and be performed in the exact geographical position in the arena specified in the pattern description. The change of front and rear leads must take place within the same stride to avoid penalty.


RUN DOWNS & RUN-AROUNDS

Run downs and runs through the middle of the arena, and runs along the side and ends of the arena. Run downs and run-arounds should demonstrate control and gradual increase in speed to the stop.