1. Do ALL the Paperwork. We are going to get this over with first a) because it’s required and b) because it’s the least exciting step. International level reining in the U.S. is supported by three organizations: USA Reining, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and International Equestrian Federation (FEI), all of which foster participation, support competition, and establish the rules that ultimately lead to the pinnacles of reining sport – the FEI Reining World Cup Final, FEI Reining World Championships, and FEI World Equestrian Games. As such, memberships for each organization are required for the athlete, horse, and horse owner(s). The list of all requirements can be found in this handy key.

2. Find the Right Horse. Horses must be at least 7-years-old to compete in FEI level events. The goal of competing at the international level and/or on a team gives purpose to extending the careers of our top horses. It is often the case that talented horses are identified early in their career as having the right aptitude for FEI events. It is vital that we as riders keep in mind the future potential of our horses as we campaign them as 3- and 4-year-olds.

3. What’s Your Star Level? The FEI has a three-level qualifying system for riders: 1* Apprentice, 2* Intermediate, and 3* Advanced. Your star level determines which level to enter at a CRI. The majority of CRIs in the U.S. run all three star levels together concurrently in one class. Many U.S. riders have been rated based on their prior competitive experience, that list is posted on the USEF High Performance Reining page here. If you don’t see your name on the list it’s best to contact the USEF Reining Department, they are happy to determine your star level or help break down the qualifying process for you.

4. Compete! Whether you are a veteran of the show pen or just starting out, competing under FEI rules will be a brand new experience. Requirements from the pre-competition horse inspection to the drugs and medications policies are in place to promote horse welfare and a level playing field, but will take some time to get used to. The more often you are able to compete at this level, the more comfortable you will be. This experience is invaluable when you compete at the major FEI events, such as a World Equestrian Games where the upmost attention is given.

5. Win Gold Medals. This is the easy part if you have carefully followed steps 1-4 (especially step 2). The USEF will announce the selection process for any major international FEI event, generally in the year preceding the event. Pay attention; know what you and your horse need to do. Representing your country and being a part of a medal-winning team at the highest level of your sport is one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences you can have as a rider. This year the U.S. was represented by four riders who had never competed at a World Equestrian Games previously and the comments we heard the most were about how unexpectedly incredible the experience was and how impressive the event was as a whole. It is hard to put into words the feeling of standing on the top of a podium as your national anthem plays, but I can assure you that it will change your life.