This week, I got to check something really exciting off my bucket list: riding a high-level reining horse at Pond Hill Performance Horses in Texas with the incredibly talented Kaci O'Rourke. Y'all, it's been about ten years since I last swung a leg over a reiner and even then, it wasn't anything like this. The horses I rode in the past were nowhere near the caliber of the one Kaci put me on, and I have to say, I'm already hooked. Is this the beginning of my reining addiction? Probably.
The horse I had the absolute privilege of riding is a 9-year-old gelding named Bo, registered as Chics Dig Starz. He's been in Kaci's program for three years now, and you can tell from the second you sit on him that this guy knows his job. Bo is a sweet, solid athlete with all the bells and whistles that make reining horses a dream to ride. I was nervous, not gonna lie, but Kaci reassured me: "He's pretty automatic and easy to ride. Just have fun." And let me tell you, I did.
Reiners: The Ferraris of Horse Training
If you've never had the chance to ride a finished reining horse, let me paint a picture. These horses are like little Ferraris, they're powerful, responsive, and incredibly well-trained. Every cue matters, and the moment you release pressure, they know exactly what to do. The emphasis is on subtlety and precision, something Kaci emphasized throughout our lesson. She trains horses to be "willingly guided," and I felt that with every stride on Bo.
From the moment I picked up my reins, Bo was on. Even just lifting my hand had him ready to go. As someone who usually rides broodmares, pasture ponies, or horses that are currently "fluffy and off-duty," it was a wake-up call to be on something this sharp. My legs were basically jello by the end, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
The Gear That Makes It Happen
One of the coolest parts of this visit was learning about the gear and prep that goes into riding a top-tier reiner. Bo came out in full armor, Dura-Tech quick-fasten leg wraps, bell boots, taped shoes, and back wraps. Every piece has a purpose, especially when it comes to protecting their legs during spins and slides. These horses work hard, and good protection is key to keeping them safe and sound.
Bo also had his tail neatly tucked into a sock-bun—something I hadn't seen up close before. Turns out, it's essential to prevent tangling or interference during maneuvers like sliding stops or backing up.
Learning the Language of Reining
Kaci is an incredible teacher and explained everything with so much patience. We started with the basics: steering, circles, and collection. Unlike what I'm used to - straight lines, square corners, and all-arounder warm-ups - reining is about fluid, clean circles and responsiveness. Kaci showed me how to use my inside and outside legs differently, how to ask for lope-offs with just a wave of my leg, and how to use subtle pressure to keep Bo collected.
One of the biggest things we focused on was not over-cueing. These horses are so dialed in that you don't need big movements - just clear, consistent ones. Kaci taught me how to stay centered, hit my markers, and maintain rhythm without micromanaging. It's a fine balance of control and trust, and it's the foundation of good horse training.
Spins, Stops, and Total Awe
Okay, let's talk about the spins. Y'all, I have never experienced anything like that in my life. I was literally dizzy by the end and laughing the whole time. You just open the "door" with your inside leg, guide with your rein, and these horses lock in and go. It's like riding a top or a carousel that knows its routine. I wasn't even doing much, and Bo just spun like he was born for it (which, honestly, he was).
And the stops - wow. The feeling of launching forward and then sinking into the saddle as the horse slides is just unreal. Kaci walked me through how not to anticipate or slow down too early. It's all about committing to the rundown and letting the horse do his job. She even explained how keeping your heels down and maintaining body position is more effective than any big, dramatic cue.
So... Do I Need a Reiner Now?
By the end of the ride, I was grinning ear to ear. My stops weren't perfect, and I probably looked ridiculous spinning the first time, but I had a blast. There's something incredibly humbling and exciting about getting back into the saddle in a new discipline, and I'm so grateful to Kaci for the experience. This lesson wasn't just a ride, it was a deep dive into a whole new level of horse training, and I'm already plotting how to make it a regular thing.
Texas, I'll be back. Kaci, I'm coming for more lessons. And Bo... I might need to borrow you again real soon.
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