IMEHA (International Model Equine Hobbyists Association) was an online photo showing site that existing until 2018. Included on the site were these guidebooks for judging and showing model horses in Performance classes. MEPSA has obtained permission to share the info contained in the guides.

Point Deducts :: Tack :: Rider :: Reins :: Set-Up Options :: Photo Examples

However, unlike most reining classes, which require competitors perform a specified standard pattern, freestyle reining uses costumes, music, themes, props and special effects lighting to add to their presentation.

No cross entering using the same photo with Reining.

A. GENERAL RULES
Reining maneuvers originated from moves that a cowhorse must use in performing its duties and have been refined to the high level of competition existing today. Freestyle Reining not only provides an opportunity to use these maneuvers creatively, but also to expand them to music by means of choreography. Riders are encouraged to use musical scores which permit them to show the athletic ability of the horse in a crowd appealing way.

Required Maneuvers. Will be defined as follows:
(a) A minimum of four (4) consecutive spins to the right
(b) A minimum of four (4) consecutive spins to the left
(c) A minimum of three (3) stops
(d) A minimum of one (1) lead change at the canter from right to left
(e) A minimum of one (1) lead change at the canter from left to right

Exhibitors are allowed to use two (2) hands (as well as one or no hands) and any approved western bit, including snaffle bits and bosals approved for use in the Snaffle Bit or Hackamore classes.

Failure to perform all the required maneuvers or failure to complete the performance within the time limit will result in a score of zero (0).

Additional maneuvers such as rollbacks, backups, speed variations, and non-classical reining maneuvers such as half pass and side pass are appropriate in Freestyle and shall be given appropriate credit. Additional repetitions of required maneuvers are appropriate, but will only add or subtract from the existing scores already given for the required maneuvers, not as additional scores.
(a) All equipment must be non-abusive and humane based.
(b) Any equipment not specifically covered by or in conflict with standard equipment guidelines must be non-abusive to the horse.

Time Limit. A maximum of four (4) minutes including any introductions. The time limit will be from the beginning of the music or from the beginning of the introduction (whichever is first) and will end with the music.

Costumes: Permitted but not required. Emphasis is placed on performing the reining maneuvers to music.

Props: Permitted but at no time may hinder the judges’ view of the horse. The use of props will not add to the score.

B. JUDGING OF FREESTYLE REINING

(1) Required maneuvers in Freestyle will receive a score based on technical merit. Transitional maneuvers and other maneuvers not specified as reining maneuvers will be evaluated and scored. Judges are encouraged to include remarks in the judge’s comment box.

Bridleless Reining

Bridleless Reining is a performance without a bridle but a rider usually has a strap or the reins wrapped around neck to guide the horse. Bridleless Reining is not a class but usually seen as a demonstration. There is no set pattern but maneuvers are those normally seen in a reining class.

Extra Credit Should Be Given If:
(1) Split reins are used, the rein should fall on the same side as the rein hand.
(2) A romal rein is used; romal should fall on the opposite side from the rein hand (romal is usually held in the rider’s other hand.
(3) Entry Number is shown on saddle blanket or on rider’s back.

Points Should be Deducted If…
(1) Model is on the wrong lead.
(2) Model displays an opening of mouth excessively.
(3) Rider uses spurs forward of the cinch.
(4) Model appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired.
(5) Model appears agitated has ears back, tail twirled, etc.
(6) Reins are draped to the point that light contact is not maintained.

Required Tack:
A western stock saddle. A western style bridle (browband, one ear, two ear, with or without throatlatch) with a curb bit including a curb strap or curb chain. Standard snaffle bit and bosal hackamores are permitted.

Boots or leg protection are optional

Prohibited Tack:
Any cruel or inhuman tack. Otherwise anything goes.

Costume or Props:
Any type costume or props are allowed but at no time may hinder the judges’ view of the horse.

Rider:
Attire is any type costuming that would go with a theme and matches costuming of horse. Theme should also match music listed in comment line.

Rein Hand Holds:

---

Set-Up Options:
Arena Fencing Required (Indoor or Outdoor Arena)

Types of Fencing Allowed:

• Painted or Natural
• Post and Rail
• Post and Plank
• Chain Link
• Solid Plyboard
• Plyboard with Top Rail
• Post with Drape Rope
• Stock Tube Pipe Rail
• Interior Arena Wall

Footing Required:

• Dirt
• Sand
• No grass base
• No rock base

Backboard or Natural Setting (Indoor or Outdoor)

---

Examples of Freestyle Reining Entries:

---