Reining, which was an FEI discipline from the year 2000, up until 2021. It originated from moves that a cattle horse makes in performing its duties and was first recognised as a sport in 1949 by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Reining is designed to show the athletic ability of ranch-type horses in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run one of 10 approved patterns, divided into seven or eight manoeuvres, including small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360 degree spins and what is generally considered the signature move of the reining horse, the sliding stop.

Competitions take place within an arena where markers are used to enable riders to better follow pattern proportions. To allow top performance and ensure the soundness of competing horses, special footing made of a clay base with a combination of sand and silt as a loose topping is required. Despite the seemingly relaxed attitude of both horse and rider and the loose reins typically used, Reining demands high levels of concentration and riding skills with smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority all being closely watched.