Acceptable Score Spreads and Variances in NRHA Reining

Reining judges analyze competition, covering NRHA Rules, judging systems, variable scores, and the acceptable range of score spreads and variances, emphasizing the importance of managing mistakes for a fair judging assessment.

November 10, 2023

According to the NRHA Rules for judging (page 91, item #B #1), the scoring in reining is on a basis of zero (0) to Infinity, with seventy (70) denoting an average performance. Individual maneuvers are scored in one-half (1/2) point increments, ranging from a low of -1½ (one and one-half) to a high of +1 1/2 (one and one-half), while a score of zero (0) denotes a correct maneuver with no degree of difficulty. Scores are announced after each horse works (NRHA.com, 2023 Rulebook).

QUESTION: Score spreads don't make sense if the judges are looking at the same performance.

Are some shows using bad judges? Are there that many mistakes happening at major NRHA Reining events? When looking at the score sheets, there seems to be a lot of discrepancies. What’s going on?

The Sport of Reining: Determination of "Quality of Control"

The sport of reining focuses on the determination of “quality of control,” a subjective skill and expertise achieved by expert horsemen. “The best-reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance. Any deviations from the exact written pattern are considered a lack of or temporary loss of control” (A General, 2023 NRHA Handbook).

Single, Double, Triple, and 5-Judge Systems

This determination of quality is applied to a single judge, double judged, triple judged, and ultimately a 5-judge system, with the number of judges dictated by show management based on the level of competition and added money to the purse of each class/division.

In a multiple judge system, each score is unique and contributes to a cumulative final score that determines the competition outcome. As the number of judges increases, individual decisions become less significant, with a 5-judge system providing a comprehensive 360-degree assessment. The practice of dropping the high and low scores in a 5-judge system enhances accuracy by minimizing outliers or mistakes of individual judges.

Variable Scores and Fine Distinctions in Reining

Variable scores make sense in reining due to the fine distinctions the sport demands of officials. The use of more judges generally leads to a more accurate assessment, and the variability in scores is normal and necessary. The challenge lies in culminating these variables into a final score.

The Cowboy Office, through years of experience and analysis, has determined that the acceptable variable per maneuver is one of two choices, based on the competitor’s display of competition within today’s industry standards. The industry, through years of competition, has set standards, and the 1 of 2 choice format results in a 1.5 to 2 point variable in scores to be summed.

This is openly discussed on our podcasts, especially “The Score” episodes, as we analyze aged event open reining competition.

Challenges and Acceptable Score Variances

Competition is never the same for any two horse/rider combinations, as demonstrated by today’s data. An acceptable range per score variable exists, and any variance of 2 points or less is deemed acceptable. When the variance exceeds 2.5 points, further analysis is necessary to understand the reasons behind it.

Mistakes do occur, and it is crucial for the industry and event management to determine an acceptable rate of mistakes and manage accordingly for the benefit of competitors and spectators.

Keep Your Questions Coming

Email questions to exec@cowboyoffice.com. We’ll continue to catalog your questions for our next question and answer segment.