Next week at the National Reining Breeders Classic, the Prime Time (45+) division will be using a handicapping system. Limited Non-Pros start with a 72, Intermediate Non-Pros with a 71, and Non-Pros with a 70.

Do you think a handicapping system similar to this should be used more often, or do you think it sets up unfair advantages and should only be used in certain instances?

what do you think?
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write in and voice your opinions
In my opinion, there are already enough divisions for a person to choose from. There are also a variety of shows to attend. If a person feels that they need a handicap, maybe they should try a different class or level of show! I think it's a bad idea!!
Dawn Ehrenford
only in certain instances.
Sally Brown, Fox Meadow Farm
I have mixed emotions @ handicapping. Some good, some need more time and thought.
However, since the 45+ class is not a NRHA approved class, show management has the right to do as they see necessary to entice entrants into the class.
Good.
Also, the way I understand the 45+ class added money is from stallion breeding fees donated by a group of people interested in seeing the class continue. Also good as many are looking to the future. The handicapping system at least seems to stir emotions for some. Maybe good, maybe not?
I guess, now that I have rambled about my mixed emotions, I still have the opportunity to enter in a NRHA approved LNP, INP, or NP class.
Final word, change is good, especially if the change offers new and different opportunities in the reining world. Michael Jeffcoat,Waurika, OK
Personally I think the sport of reining provides a great deal of handicaps without us trying to create them. From the ground to penalties to judges that miss things to the nature of the horse itself, I just don't think we should penalize someone for having made a commitment to be better.
Craig Johnson, TX
I do not believe that a handicapping system should be used at all in NRHA competition. The current rules that "everyone" goes by, offers a means with which to compare a non pro score with that of the professional. It gives us something to strive for. The purpose of the scoring system as I see it, is run a correct pattern, get a score of 70. You know exactly where your strengths and weakenesses occur, and use that score relative to other riders in other classes that you observe. The use of the handicapping system tilts the scale and gives an unclear picture of the actual run. Scores are archived by many and bettering ones score by a half a point means success for many. If different classes have different final scores, this paints an untrue and potentially disappointing picture for those riders progressing through the division levels. Thank you.
Robin Marciello, Massachusetts
Without much thought - off the top of my head - if there is a class that is not placed separately by the separate divisions and thus they are all running against each other - then I think that is a great idea. So it probably makes most sense in the Futurities and Derby's.
M. Alderson
In my humble opinion - I don't like any type of handicapping system. It could present "tracking" difficulties -- who's what division - as well as confusion to the viewing audience who are trying to learn appropriate scoring. Let the best rides win regardless.
Again, just my opinion.
Dee
I probably will also be in the minority since I believe that the real issue should be to reach a higher level of competitive skill. We have already attempted to level the playing field with the limited non-pro, non-pro, rookie, 45+ categories - I don't think we need to further attempt to level the field. The idea should be to ascend to a higher level of accomplishment not to bring those with a high level of skill down.
Lani De Vincentis
I guess it depends on how tight the judges are!
Darren Miller Stables
I am opposed to this idea, as I do feel that it sets up unfair advantages. I've never been a big fan of handicapping systems in general, even when they've helped me!
C.M. Henry, CO
I guess I would need to know why they are even using a handicapping system. Is for the age? I'm 45 and I wouldn't want to ride in a class that had any special considerations, especially because of my age. I'd rather be judged like everyone else, starting out at the same place, based on mine and my horses' ability. Is this the only class at the NRBC to be set up this way? Frankly, I'd rather we all use the same system with the same rules, granted its getting hard enough to compete in Rookie classes against people riding $30,000+ horses, but I don't necessarily want points flipped in my direction because of my designation of Limited, Intermediate or Regular Non Pro at age 45+.
Debi Joyce
As a 45 and older competitor, I do not think a handicapping system gains much. There are plenty of older riders that are awesome, and they certainly do not need a handicap. I assume that the thought is these advanced senior riders are in the non-pro division, so they really don't benefit from the handicap. Since the classes are an entry division of themselves, why not leave it as is, and the seniors compete against each other. I think more emphasis should be placed on the senior classes, as we are an up and coming group.
Nita
What a totally stupid idea - one more example of the endless "dumbing down" that's been so trendy for awhile - "if you can't pass the test, don't bother to work to improve, just make the test easier until everybody can pass without even trying" - one of the great things about reining is knowing that a 73 ride is a 73 whether you did it in a Rookie class or an Open class - of course the same applies to a 68 ride, but at least it doesn't give you a false idea of how well you're doing
Ann Flynn
Previous Questions
Home | News + Articles | Horses for Sale | Reining Trainers | Reining Breeders
The purpose of this section is to create a forum to bring up subjects that reiners often talk about, but seldom agree on. We encourage you to write with your take on the subject. We are simply providing a forum for discussion, and the above mentioned points are in no way a reflection of anything official at NRHA, nor do they reflect the opinions of e-reiner.com. We will be changing the subject weekly, and will post responses as we get them.