LEADS

In order for a horse to be consistent in flying lead changes, the rider must properly set up the horse.  To set the horse up properly, the rider must have control of both the hip and the shoulder.  With many exercises to choose from, the rider can practice flying lead changes at the walk and trot before tackling the canter.  When using the simple change, it is important to move to the flying change once the horse starts to understand the simple change so the horse does not make a habit of breaking down into the trot before making the change. 
 
CIRCLES

Often overlooked, the circle is the mainstay of a correctly run reining pattern.  The horse must maintain the arc it is placed on and quietly respond to the rider's cues for pattern changes.  Despite added emotion, the horse needs to remain calm throughout the circle, lead changes, and speed changes.

Spins & Rollbacks 

SPINS

It cannot be expressed enough the importance of correctness in the spin before adding speed.  No harm can come from practicing correctness while a multitude of problems will be incurred by adding too much speed too soon.  There are many exercises to work correctness, relaxation, and reach which is what allows for speed for the spin.  The rider again needs control of the hip as well as both inside and outside shoulders along with proper bend in the rib cage.  These parts can be worked separately and then brought together using the many exercises available. 

ROLLBACKS

The rollback is a completely different maneuver than the spin in set up and execution.  The horse needs to stay elevated in the shoulder and turn over the hock in a fluid canter departure when back to the line of travel.  While there is a stop involved, the horse needs more elevation than the final slide stop to properly execute the rollback.  The rider needs control of the shoulders and the horse needs to come off the outside rein.

STOP

This truly adds to the ‘wow’ factor when done correctly.  This maneuver is 80% rider ability and 20% horse talent.  The great thing about the stop is that it is found in so many of the exercises that it is almost impossible to not be working on it all the time.  As with all the other maneuvers, the horse needs to maintain their wit before, during, and after the execution.  There are as many ways for a horse to perform the stop, as there are horses.  Some need to ‘blow’ to the stop while others need a steady build.  Some horses do better with their heads low to keep the shoulders from lifting while others need their heads up to free the shoulder and hold the hind end in the ground.  The rider must find what works for their horse in order to get the best performance they can from their horse.  
 
BACKUP

While it may seem like a small part of a pattern the backup tells a lot about a horses stop.  Throughout the pattern, the horse needs to be constantly thinking back.  There is truly no stop cue only a change in direction for in the change you find the stop.  The horse must complete this maneuver quietly yet quickly, softly yet with power.  In the backup, you can learn what part of your horse is not stopping as well as how relaxed he is in performing this simple maneuver.