In 1998 the FEI World Equestrian Games™ were held in Rome (ITA). Thanks to the interest of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and European reining horse associations, the organisers of the Games agreed to offer the sport of Reining the possibility of hosting a demonstration, prior to the Dressage Freestyle. The competition, in which 11 nations were represented, was staged in front of a full house. Reiners performed to perfection and the result was a standing ovation from the knowledgeable crowd.

In 2000, the FEI officially recognised Reining and the western discipline made its FEI World Equestrian Games™ debut in 2002. Success and interest were high in Jerez de la Frontera, venue of the 2002 Games, and this continued to be the case in 2006 and 2010.

The first-ever Reining team medallists at FEI World Equestrian Games™ were the USA who took the gold; Canada was in silver, and Italy in bronze. The individual champions were the Americans Shawn Flarida and Tom McCutcheon, who took gold and silver respectively, and Canada’s Shawna Sapergia, who won the bronze.

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