iCEV Equine Science Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free Equine Science Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a Reining class, a break of gait is considered a moderate infraction that can affect a horse's overall performance score. Specifically, a break of gait, which occurs when a horse transitions from one gait to a faster or slower gait inappropriately (for example, going from a lope to a trot), results in a penalty of 2 points. This penalty acknowledges that while the infraction is not as severe as more critical mistakes in horsemanship, it still requires the judge to reflect the error in the scoring system.

In Reining, the scoring is precise, and penalties vary based on the severity of the error. A higher penalty (like 5 points) is reserved for more significant issues, such as missing a maneuver entirely. Therefore, a 2-point penalty is proportionate to the severity of a break in gait, making it the correct answer to this question. Understanding the scoring system is crucial for competitors, as it impacts their performance and overall scores in competitions.