By Larri Jo Starkey
The American Quarter Horse Journal
December 8, 2014

Para-reiners saddled up December 6 in Oklahoma City for competition during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity. Para-dressage rider Lara Oles of Utah nabbed the top score of 70.5 on Western Whiz in her ninth ride on a reiner

“This was the best thing that ever happened to me, and that score blew me away,” Lara

Lara Oles riding her Para-Dressage Horse Slate who is also a Quarter Horse. Photo (c) Lindsay Y. McCall from the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium in California 2013.

said. “This horse – if I didn’t get a good score on him, I’d have felt bad, because he’s so talented.”

Western Whiz is a 2003 bay gelding by West Coast Whiz and out of Cameos Brite Star by Black Star Leo. He was bred by Roberta M. Witt of Williston, Ohio, and is owned by Robert N. Thompson of Pilot Point, Texas. He has $123,642 in NRHA earnings.

“This horse is so responsive,” Lara said. “Every day, we get more connected and I learn more of his cues. He loves his work. If you ask him right, he’ll do it. He wants to do it. (Riding the pattern) was easy. Once I learned his cues and to sit still and let him do his job, he makes it easy.”

Lara and many of the other para-reiners spent a week before the competition practicing at trainer Lisa Coulter’s facility in Pilot Point, she said, developing camaraderie with their competitors and with their horses.

“I was lucky Lisa gave me her Cadillac to ride – the long straw,” Lara said. “It was amazing. It was the most fun. This is only the ninth time I’ve ever ridden a reiner in my life. (Para-dressage and para-reining) are very similar. You have to be precise. It’s a discipline. People might think you’re hoo-hawing around, but you’re not.”

Lara’s not quite ready to give up her para-dressage saddle yet: She hopes to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’d love to have para-reining added to the World Equestrian Games,” she said. “Someday, that will happen, but for now, I’m enjoying this class. I’m in love with this sport.”

Other competitors were:

Briana Bartlett of Tecumseh, Nebraska, on her own Chromed Tejon
Cole Jacobs of Fabius, New York, on his own Ruf N Loaded
Lise Yervasi of Oregon on Gail Klapper’s Remin Star
Deidre Hannah Charity Smith’s Whiz Pop Bang
Freddy Win of New Jersey on Allison Smith’s Pistol Silencer
Catherine Sherwood on Robert Thompson’s Spark Chocolate

Two riders demonstrated walk-only reining patterns: Tara Kowalski and Ruth Armbruster.

Para-reining made its debut during the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show, and interest in the sport continues to grow, including a class at the 2014 World Show, a class at the Kentucky Reining Cup and the one at the NRHA Futurity.

For 2014, AQHA adopted para-reining rules in collaboration with USA Reining and NRHA. Those rules will be revised after this test year and with the cooperation of the United States Para-Equestrian Association with the goal of making para-reining a nationally recognized sport in 2015.

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF). 

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.