What is a “good” score?
I’m trying to keep track on the live results while I work. The US rider is apparently n the lead with 220.50. But it just started, and most of the field hasn’t gone yet.
I have no framework here, being used to dressage and never having followed a reining competition before. Just would like to know what is a “wow, that was a GOOD ride” score, and what is an “enjoy your moment at the top, because you won’t be there long” score.
Thanks.
I looked it up <g>
Shawn Flarida (USA)
<<He was already well known as a professional rider in 2002 when he posted a 233 score aboard 3-year-old Whimpys Little Step in the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma, a record that still stands.>>
scoring
Reiners start out at 70 (per judge).
Each maneuver gets a mark and each maneuver can have penalties.
So, a correct maneuver does not affect a score, if it is incorrect, it can be a minus 1/2, minus 1, or minus 1 1/2. If it is good, it can be a plus 1/2, plus 1, or plus 1 1/2.
A plus 1 1/2 maneuver can get a penalty score. For example a great set of spins with an over spin by a 1/8 is a minus 1/2 penalty.
At most shows with three judges a 210 is a decent score, probably in the top. At the top shows, you are going to need over a 220 to place high. A 220.5 is a good score.
Unlike dressage, if you go off pattern, you get a 0 score.
Karin
May I simplify that a bit?
There are 3 judges and their scores (from 1 to 100) are added together. There are specific faults that deduct and specific things that can add to that 70. All horses are going to have both pluses and minuses on the cards, trick is to have more pluses then deductions.
Much like the Hunters except that 70 is established as the basic “got around and did everything” starting point. 75 is a lowish average trip for that Hunter but a good score for a Reiner. If each judge gives that 75? It’s a 225 and great score.
BTW, at most breed shows it’s a single judge.
The 233 record doesn’t stand. Shawn marked a 235 on Gunnatrashya at the 2010 NRHA Derby, beating Craig Schmersal on Boomshernic who scored a 234. Unless the “record” refers to the highest score at the NRHA Futurity, which it may be the highest futurity scores.
And its Wimpys Little Step, no h.
There are 5 judges, just like at most MAJOR NRHA shows (Futurity, Derby, NRBC). However, the high and low scores are dropped.
so consider 70 the start and 75 good. I looked at the score qualifications to get in to WEG ,say from a country with no reiners, the requirement was two scores over 68 from 2 different judges in an the FEI level class. Providing you have a horse that can compete at the level not just do the movements but actually take home a good score.
And… judges used to give one score for a run, like hunters. But maybe 15 ? years ago reining went to dressage scoring where each maneuver has a separate square on the score sheet to mark from a O (saying it was a average 70 maneuver) to a plus 1.5 for great or a minus 1.5 for horrible. A separate line of boxes above each maneuver is available for penalties if incurred. So the score sheet has entries down the left side, and maneuvers across the top, with a double line of boxes (score and penalty) for each entry.
At the end of the run, you add up all the pluses and minuses, and penalties (.5 to 5) and add or deduct from 70 to get the final score for each judge. That is why they have to have scribes who have done it before. Sometimes you get lost when judges blurt out “minus one-half”, and you don’t know whether it was the score or a penalty. Helps to know what you are watching.
Had to post a pic of our friend Craig Schmersal and Mr. Montana Nic’s MANE!
They are currently in 2nd, yay!
Why was the German #1 rider eliminated ?
[QUOTE=Equibrit;5120410]
Why was the German #1 rider eliminated ?[/QUOTE]
The German #1 horse took a really REALLY bad step during its first spin. Rider withdrew. I’m jingling for that horse - it looked BAD. 
There were several combinations who scored a big fat 0, and the commentator didn’t say why.
[QUOTE=Equibrit;5120519]
There were several combinations who scored a big fat 0, and the commentator didn’t say why.[/QUOTE]
Most (probably all) of them went off pattern. One guy did three large fast circles, others might have overspun. I think one person got disqualified because her horse started backing up at the second stop instead of the third, and I’m pretty sure you can get disqualified for it.
Overspinning is a common disqualification, so it won’t surprise me if that’s what it is.
I’m just, overall, surprised that everyone’s petting their horse so early out of the pattern. You can get disqualified for that, and I think I’ve almost gotten disqualified for it.
This session of Reining (Sunday 11 a.m.) is on the USEF Network, and if I may say so, commentary is MUCH better there! :yes:
When they are finished with each spin, every rider sits still for a fairly long period of time before moving into the next movement. Is it to allow the horse to overcome any dizziness? Or the rider? A couple of the horses have looked slightly off balance when they first stop and stand, which is why I wondered. I’ve ridden many Quarter horses but have never done reining.
Definitely agree about the commentary.
Yes, it’s nice to hear someone who knows what he’s talking about.
The Swedish rider looked rough.
Hesitation
[QUOTE=arnika;5120547]
When they are finished with each spin, every rider sits still for a fairly long period of time before moving into the next movement. Is it to allow the horse to overcome any dizziness? Or the rider? A couple of the horses have looked slightly off balance when they first stop and stand, which is why I wondered. I’ve ridden many Quarter horses but have never done reining.[/QUOTE]
It’s something that I think is in the pattern. A “hesitation”. It’s supposed to show that the horse is listening and waiting for you, and since I believe that yesterday’s was pattern six (a pattern that is pretty often used) it also shows that the horse isn’t just assuming what you’re doing and going on without you.
Which is a problem some horses have in every sort of patterned discipline. My mare doesn’t exactly enjoy the hesitations in the spins, she sort of prances on occasion, but she does wait. Actually, we’ve had a mare that already knew the dressage test and did everything a little too early despite what the trainer wanted.
And plus, I think it does help you get settled after the spins since they do get you and your horse dizzy from time to time.
Not many women, eh?
Thanks, SxO. I’ve had horses anticipate dressage patterns before so I understand that perfectly. 
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