Reining closer to becoming Olympic sport

Monday, April 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

GUTHRIE, Okla. (AP) -- The sport of reining is one step closer to the Olympics after it was added to the ranks of the Federation Equestre Internationale. The unanimous vote was taken Saturday in Mainz, Germany.

Oklahoma City is the home to the National Reining Horse Association, which is the FEI-recognized governing body of reining.

"We can now ride for our flag," said Dan Wall, executive director of the NRHA. "It is an opportunity no western discipline or western rider could have ever hoped for."

Wall said the NRHA will now have to set international rules for reining competition venues.

Mike Christian, executive director of the National Reining Breeders Classic, said the goal of the FEI is to have its first international approved competition in the year 2000.

"We have quite a few international owners and riders here already from across Europe, South America and Canada," said Christian.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is held at Guthrie's Lazy E Arena.