We posed the following question on 3/4/2000: In reining competitions, should the bit and tail inspection by the judge occur before or after an exhibitor shows? Or both? Here is what people are saying:

what do you think?

I think that a precheck would be the best way to go. It would be a fair way for each exhibitor to show their horse without the concern of being disqualified for improper equipment. With a precheck, if the judge determined that there was illegal equip., he (she) could notify the exhibitor and he (she) could then change it and go ahead and show. This would eliminate some very unnecessary disqualifications. If, however, during the course of a run any seated judge noticed the possibility of abuse, I think he (she) should then have the power to inspect the horse after the run and be able to either leave his (her) score as is or mark a no score if he (she) finds evidence. Craig Johnson

First off it is my opinion the rules of NRHA are clear. We already are able to bring our equipment to the gate prior to showing to have your equipment checked to make sure everything is in order, it only takes but a moment for us to check our horses over before we enter the arena to make sure everything is in order. Its called being responsible for yourself. I believe it's very unfortunate that the majority must be inconvenienced because the minority are not willing to take responsibility for there own actions. As a NRHA member, Professional Trainer, Judge, it is our responsibility to understand the rules. If you don't understand the rules contact someone who does (example: NRHA office, NRHA Judges Committee Chairman or Committee Member or an NRHA official at the show you are exhibiting at) but don't try to pass on your own failure to comply on to someone else. Brad Kelsall

I think they should only check before the rider enters the arena, unless something of a serious nature occurs in the ring and blood or unusual behavior would result in a no score. Dave Belson, 5B Quarter Horse Ranch

I think the tail and bit checks should only be done after the run. San Benito Quarter Horses

Clearly the inspection should be available before if requested; it is ridiculous to play "gotcha" when you consider the amount of time and energy put into a show; the rules are not always clear; it detracts from the audience at a big show to pull one for a technicality; however, there still needs to be an inspection afterwards to make sure no one changed equipment and there is no blood or other violations. By the way, for another topic of interest, ask about the drug use question; the pros all will say that there shouldn't be any limits; I think the non-pros will probably say that there should be limits; SPARKMYDOG@aol.com

After - Checking the bit and tail after the reining pattern has been run ensures fairness in the competition. Patti Blackwell

I think as long as it occurs there won't be too many trying to get away with illegal bits and/or "done" tails but I think it would be disruptive to the rider and horse to have it done before the pattern. Jackie Cavender

I think if these items are to be checked it should be after the horse runs so it doesn't take away from the performance. I would find it distracting to have it done before the performance Jack Babcook

After your run seems the best for time concerns that some shows may have. Also eliminates the person who checks the horses from getting ahead of himself and checking a couple of horses before - which some people would take advantage of. Sandy Day-Steve & Sandy Day ICR Performance Horses

Before and After Both. Ontario Reining Horse Association Member

I think bit and tail should be checked by the judge after the pattern and not before - this could be time consuming and nerve racking to exhibitors especially new people to the sport. It should be up to every exhibitor to know what the acceptable equipment is and so on. Having said that I have never shown at a Futurity or huge show where there's a lot of money up and it would be such a shame to be disqualified after a go that could have been avoided by a "pre" check. Heather McFarlane

I think it should stay as is and be examined after the go. Prior to the go, one is warming up, and an interruption can be unnerving especially in big classes. Also, the potential for a change exists if the bit is examined before. One can get a bit preapproved if there is any question prior to going in the pen. Also, since the sides need to be examined for "blood" after the go it seems that much time would be wasted by checking before and after the go. On the west coast, many of our classes (non-pro) have in excess of 60 riders, so efficiency is certainly necessary to get these classes done in as timely a manner as possible. NKG

Previous Weeks' Questions

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