Dream Big Reining Clinic
Straightness is key: Lessons from Tiara van Dongen’s UK Clinic
A sunny weekend in March 2025 brought horses, riders and spectators to Oakridge Arena in Newark, keen to learn from Tiara van Dongen at the ‘Dream Big Reining Clinic’.
Tiara needs little introduction - she is one of Europe’s leading reiners, with multiple titles and NRHA earnings.
Observing Tiara teaching, I was immediately impressed by her quiet, but confident, approach to both horse and rider - whatever their level. As you can imagine, a lot was covered with each group of participants, but one fundamental theme reoccurred throughout the day was the importance of straightness.
Why Straightness Matters
Straightness is fundamental to developing a balanced, athletic, and responsive horse—qualities that are essential for success in reining. During her UK clinic, Tiara van Dongen shared invaluable insights on the importance of straightness and how riders can help their horses achieve it.
In reining, precision is everything. Straightness ensures that the horse can perform manoeuvres like sliding stops, spins, and lead changes with accuracy and fluidity. A crooked horse will struggle to perform reining patterns effectively, often losing balance in transitions or compensating with uneven movement.
Impact on Performance
Straightness enhances the horse’s ability to engage its hindquarters, maintain balance, and respond to subtle cues—all of which are vital for clean, controlled patterns.
Tiara encouraged riders to identify crookedness early to avoid reinforcing bad habits.
Signs to Watch For:
- Drifting during straight lines or sliding stops.
- Uneven lead changes.
- Difficulty staying centered in spins.
Tiara pointed out that “straightness on a circle” was also key.
Exercises to Improve Straightness
Tiara shared practical strategies with each group, working with riders individually to help them address any issues and build straightness in their horses. Here are some of the takeaways I observed during the course of the day.
1. Shoulder Alignment
Exercise: Practice straight lines on a loose rein while focusing on keeping the horse’s shoulders aligned with its hips.
Goal: Prevent the horse from leaning or drifting by using soft, consistent leg and rein aids.
2. Counter-Bending
Exercise: Ride large circles while asking the horse to bend slightly away from the circle’s direction.
Goal: Strengthen the weaker side and improve the horse’s ability to stay balanced during patterns.
Pro Tip: Use cones or visual markers to test your horse’s ability to stay straight during patterns.
The Rider’s Responsibility in Straightness
Tiara emphasised that straightness starts with the rider. A balanced, centered rider provides the horse with clear guidance.
Focus on your posture—keep your shoulders square, hands even, and avoid leaning to one side. Ride with your eyes focused ahead (not down) to help maintain a straight path.
Relaxation and Straightness
Tiara’s exercises highlighted the connection between relaxation and straightness. Tension in the horse’s body can lead to crookedness, while relaxation allows for better alignment and responsiveness.
Incorporating lateral flexion exercises at the start of your ride can release tension and prepare the horse for straightness work.
It was clear to see her focus on alignment and straightness had real benefits for both the horses and riders. Tiara’s calm, friendly and positive teaching style definitely brought out the best in all of the partnerships, with real progress being seen in each combination by the end of the day.
Details Count
Straightness is a critical element in the reining horse’s journey to precision and performance. Tiara’s clinic provided riders with actionable tools to improve alignment, balance, and responsiveness. By prioritising straightness, you can elevate your horse’s reining skills and build a stronger partnership.
Tiara is set to return to the UK Summer 2025. Check out Oakridge Arena for more information.
With thanks to Tiara, Lita, and Lee for allowing me to observe this wonderful clinic.