For the first time ever, the World Equestrian Games is leaving Europe for the hospitality of North America and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Of particular interest to Western Cowboy Brand readers is the fact that Reining is one of the 8 riding disciplines being contested for the title of world champion. Reining is designed to showcase the athletic ability of a ranch horse within the confines of a show arena. During competition, horse and rider are required to run one of several approved performance patterns. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, 360 degree spins, and a hallmark of reining horses - the sliding stop. The World Equestrian Games is officially sanctioned by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the controlling Olympic authority for international riding events. It is widely believed that Reining will become the newest riding event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

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