West Riding brings together adults, adolescents, and junior-age riders from around the country. The most popular breeds for competition are quarter-, paint and Arab horses, other breeds are also trained for the task and have competed successfully in Finland. The tack used is a traditional cowboy-type western saddle and bridle. The rider is to dress in a western-style, which is made up of, straight-legged pants, a long-sleeve collared shirt, a western hat or safety helmet and cowboy boots. Optional equipment often seen are western-type spurs, chaps, gloves, jacket.. Information about the type of global events can be found at FEI's website: www.fei.org

Reining is said to be the most demanding discipline, since it requires complete control of the horse along with specialized skills. In 2007 the first national championship contest was held in Finland. This fast-paced and exciting competition brought together over 800 spectators over the course of two days. The judge selects one of the predetermined courses, and each horse rider combination carries it out individually. Judging begins the moment when the horse and rider combination enters the arena. The performance is best when the horse willingly and without any apparent resistance to the riders aids completes the movements asked for the rider. The course is rode entirely at the lope and it includes different sized circles, flying changes, spins, rollbacks, halts, and rein backs. Spinning is a spin around the haunches. The rollback is a movement in which the horse comes to a complete stop from a lope, immediately does a quick half turn around the haunches and strikes off again at the lope. The sliding stop is movement in which the horse should stop so that the haunches, sit deep below the stomach, and horse back legs stop moving in a the sand, the forelegs ”trot” until the horse is completely stopped. The best horses may slide a few meters. Combinations are initially awarded 70 points. For each movement points are given and, in addition, the judge may give minus points for the following errors: blatant disobedience (bucking, striking out),or touching the saddle or horse with your hand: a break in the predetermined gait, loss of speed/impulsion in the spin or roll back. The other point reductions may include the wrong lead at the lope, failed flying changes, crooked reinbacks , the horse opening his mouth, and riding too close to fence.

Horse and rider perform the course one by one. Rating is based on how well the horse performs each obstacle. The main focus is on horses behaviour and way it responds to the riders aids. The course designed by the judge must include at least six obstacles that are not meant to be jumped over. Mandatory obstacles include opening a gate, going through it and closing it, riding over at least four ground poles and a rein back obstacle. Optional obstacles include transporting an object from one place to another, a sidepass, weaving in and out of obstacles, or any other safe obstacle. Horse rider combination starts 70 points, minus or plus points are deducted/added during the performance. Errors may include contact with a pole, the wrong gait, incorrect lope, or if there is a significant problem at one of the obstacles. This includes refusal at an obstacle, loss of grip on the gate, and flagrant disobedience.

In this discipline all the riders and horses are in the judging arena at the same time. The judge will ask the contestants to present the walk, jog (a slow trot), and lope in both directions. The judge could also ask for additional extended movements. Riders may not ride vaults, rather bypassing should be done by going on the inner track and passing non-invasivley . The aim is to keep the horses pace steady during all the gaits, and the tempo must not change. The horses head and neck should be carried in a relaxed and natural manner, so that the neck parallel with the withers or slightly above it. The horse should be put forward with reasonably loose reins and light contact. The main focus is on horse movement and the quality of the gaits. The ideal pleasure-horse should move in all gaits in a balanced, impulsive, and relaxed manner. A bonus would be a horse, which is a forward thinking, balanced, dutiful, and which give the appearance of a pleasant horse to ride in the discipline. The physical condition and conformation is also judged. Points will be deducted for the wrong lead at the lope, wrong gait, if the horses head too high or low of a position, and if the horse seems apathetic or lethargic.

The judging of this discipline is started with a short individual test followed by a group test, like the one seen in western pleasure. The judge will make the individual program, so that it will test the rider’s skill and ability to present the horse. Judging is based on the rider’s ability to complete certain movements in a precise and soft way. Much attention is paid to the riders seat and it use. Points are awarded between 0-20 points, 20 points being the maximum. 10 points can be awarded for the general impression of the rider and another 10 points based on the completed course. Points are deducted form the horse-rider combination for the following errors; dirty or broken clothes, equipment, overuse or too severe use of the aids, seat errors, and improperly performed movements.

The judge selects one of the predetermined tests. Horse rider combinations perform the test individually. Judging of the test is based on the quality of the gaits, obedience, behaviour, and flying changes. The horse should be shown at an appropriate tempo, and should be sensitive to the aids, and moving in a supple and relaxed “rolling” manner. The combinations starts with 70 points, plus and minus points are then added or deducted. Plus may be awarded, for simultaneous and precise flying changes, keeping a steady pace, and a precisely and smoothly carried out test. Also points are awarded for obedience to the aids and the disposition of the horse. Minus points distributed for the following: opening of the mouth, disobedience, failure to change leads, riding at an incorrect gait, simple changes of lead with trot steps. The performance can also be rejected if, for example the rider knocks down one of the test markers or fails at four flying changes.