Rookie Reiner is your one-stop shop for everything the beginning reining competitor needs to know — whether "green as grass" or several years in. You'll get the lowdown on how the sport of reining is organized, how shows are run, and how you fit into the mix. Find the right trainer for your budget; determine whether your current horse has the attitude and ability to make it in the show pen; and ensure your tack and equipment is legal, safe, and appropriate for the sport. Get to know the required maneuvers — what they demand of your horse, and of you — and how they play out in the 11 official National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) patterns. Plus, discover how to look the part — groom your horse so he stands out in the show pen, and dress yourself with just the right amount of style. Bone up on the intricacies of judging rules and scoring, and learn how to evaluate your runs so you can learn from both your "plusses" and your penalties. From packing the trailer, to warming up before your run, to dealing with "butterflies" when you enter the pen, this book has it all. With dozens of tips from top reiners and trainers, such as NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Loomis, and a special chapter on creating your own Freestyle featuring NRHA Champion Stacy Westfall, you're bound to feel primed and ready for your next show season — whether its your very first, or just your first step toward someday riding the perfect slide at the highest levels of competition. Remember, even if you are a rookie, you can still be a star.