In these classes, the most advanced Western riders perform an individual , preassigned pattern from memory, demonstrating a variety of stops, turns and figures at various speeds. The emphasis is on precision and technical application of the rider's ability to handle unfamiliar horses.
Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (known more commonly worldwide as the canter) and gallop; the fastest of the horse gaits. Reining is often equated to a Western form of dressage riding, as it requires the horse to be responsive and in tune with its rider, whose aids should not be easily seen, and judges the horse on its ability to perform a set pattern of movements.