Most of you have probably seen the new series, Yellowstone, or maybe you just have always loved horses but never had the opportunity to get involved with them. Either way, don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new and exciting. There are a lot of resources for the beginner reining enthusiast, you just have to know where to look
https://nrha.com/media/pdf/education/where-to-start.pdf Here is a link to the National Reining Horse Association website. It gives some general direction as to what to do first. First figure out what affiliate region you are in and then go to the “Find A Pro” link to find a list of trainers in your area.
Finding the right professional to guide you is key. There are a lot of us out there and all have different specialties. The pro’s you see showing in the big events aren‘t always into helping the newbie. Make sure you ask them if they have the abilities or resources to help a beginner
When talking to prospective professionals, make sure they have your interests in mind. You want honesty, and you want someone who will LISTEN to your wants and needs. Not someone to talk you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. You are hiring them to guide you and train you and your prospective horse. That being said, open communication between you and your trainer is key. I tell my non pro’s that I want us to be a team. We work together to achieve your goals.
Look for somewhere with lesson horses. You want to give this a try before you spend the bucks on your new Cadillac reining horse. Not a lot of reining barns do but there are some and they are usually good with beginners.
Make sure to take some lessons with your prospective trainer. Everyone has a little different teaching style and not everyone learns the same. Some people thrive under pressure and need to be pushed and some need a lot of encouragement and need to go slow. Either way is fine, just make sure the person training you is respectful of that.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or look silly. Horses are the great equalizer and I guarantee you will not be the first one to have an embarrassing moment. Any one who has spent any amount of time riding reining horses has been humbled. TRUST ME! Even the million dollar riders that make it look so easy have a really goofy stop picture where they’re catching some serious air. Remember when riding, this is a well trained animal but it has a mind of its own and sometimes we just don’t get the buttons right, and the only way to learn is to fail a few times first.
This is Rachel Phillips. She started with us just over a year ago and came from the English discipline. Here she is holding her plaques that she won in the Green Reiner 1.
