Dan Huss

If you’re not getting your lead change in the correct part of your pattern, chances are you’re leaving points on the table. While changing leads in the center of the arena might seem easy, many riders struggle with finding center and staying straight before, during, and after a flying lead change.

When you’re riding in a one-handed bridle, you ask your horse to turn by neck reining. However, if you don’t know where to keep your hand when you’re guiding your horse, you could be ineffective with your cue. If you constantly ride with your hand left or right of center, you’re unknowingly giving mixed signals to your horse. If you keep your hand in that position at all times, you’ll eventually teach him to ignore the neck rein cue completely, making it much more difficult to guide him.

Each year, National Reining Horse Association affiliates are invited to nominate their favorite NRHA Professionals for top honors in one of the following categories: Professional Horseman of the Year, Professional Horsewoman of the Year, Non Pro Coach of the Year, Youth Coach of the Year, and Up-and-Coming Trainer of the Year. See who took home top honors in 2018.

Reining superstar Ms Dreamy is the only Western horse to be nominated for the 2018 USEF International Horse of the Year award. Voting ends January 3rd.