Tag Archives: IPHDA

IPHDA Reining Patterns

The IPHDA Reining is a reining pattern that has been changed slightly to take the different type of ground and facility out of the equation:

  • Stops will all be judged on the balance and forward energy provided going to the stop so that the stop can be balanced and strong. (Forward energy is what allows horses to stop strong after a small slow circle in NRHA pattern 5). Extension of stride and or quickening of stride will not be allowed on the approach to the stop and will be marked down, as that creates an unfair advantage over the riders who do not have ground suitable for that maneuver from speed and does not require the same balance and forward energy that should be developed.
  • Roll backs will be judged on balance and control starting during and leaving the 180.
  • Circles will be judged on the horses overall balance during the circles and their ability to extend their stride in the large circles.
  • Spins will be judged on balance and cadence and lateral foot speed, with balance being the first criteria.
  • Figure 8s with lead changes can be performed from/with any stride length, and they will be judged on balance during the figures and during the lead change; simple changes of lead through trot will not be penalized but will judged on the overall balance of the 2 transitions involved in a simple lead change.
  • Penalties will be dealt with in the balance evaluation as most penalties incurred during a reining pattern result from poor balance.
  • This will not be judged as a regular reining but in a manner that will promote better balance and better control in every horse.
  • All patterns may be ridden one or 2 handed in any bit.

The IPHDA Reining Patterns and Drawings are on the web site: All IPHDA Patterns.

Give Your Rescued Horse a Chance to Shine

“Give a Horse a Chance” (GAHAC) represents a new opportunity for horses traditionally labeled “unwanted” and that have been rescued from the slaughter pipeline. This event will showcase the talent and build the performance ability of these horses that were given a second chance by equine rescue groups and new owners. The 2011 GAHAC is open to horses adopted or purchased between August 30th 2010 and February 1st 2011. Horses may have been adopted or purchased privately from auction houses for $600 or less.

The IPHDA (International Performance Horse Development Association) is organizing the GAHAC competition and will be using their virtual show format. There will be 3 divisions offered: Open, Amateur and Novice.

The exhibitors will be required to perform 2 events. The first will be a PHD test (visit www.iphda.com to download the pattern). The second test will feature any equestrian competition for which the horse shows an aptitude: jumping a course, riding a dressage test, running a barrel pattern, negotiating a series of trail obstacles, completing a reining pattern, performing a Natural Horsemanship game, etc.

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