What are some excersises i can do with my horse?

Question

ok i'm training my 4y/o to barrel race he is going well but i just want to know what are some exercises that help in smoothing the turns and making them neater?

thanks guys

Answer 1

Set up a pattern he should do like a cloverleaf and ride him through.  ;Then another pattern and get him to complete it.  Try to set up different tasks and turns that are different but will eventually contain all factors he needs to complete in his competitioin  Work on his turns in both directions.

Have him walk and trot cavaletti poles so he will learn how to pick up his feet and be balanced.

Answer 2

Ride figure eights with flying lead changes, sliding stops, backing up, 360's

Answer 3

Alot of figure 8 and snake runs. Where you run to a pole, curve around, run to the wall, turn, run to a diffrent pole, curve around and repeat down a line of a few poles. It'll also teach the horse to be more adgile. You could also set up a square of 4 poles, number them and have someone call out what number you have to go around and see how fast you and your horse can react.

Answer 4

You can do patterns:

figure 8's- you can start in large circles then smaller practicing bending with leg pressure and reining direct and indirect.  

serpentines-pattern similar to pole bending but more rounded like a snake slithers.

cloverleaf- go for form rather than speed and concentrate on turning or flexing around the barrel and either direct and/or indirect reining.  Walk, jog, canter the pattern..

Just have fun and make up your own bending excercises..going around the ring and then in the corners make circles..more than once around (just don't get yourself dizzy!!)  I would also do these patterns at all gaits..jog, canter, even just walking and turning... teach him lead changes so the inside leg will be the lead leg for a smoother and more balanced turn.  Work on your body placement  and flexing to lean into the barrels to direct your horse with body and leg aids..I gues I'm trying to say be in harmony and balance with your horse!!

You say that you are training your horse..so just be patient and practice, practice practice.

Oh..of course you have to do some time trials too!!

Answer 5

Do other stuff like bending and one rein stops will definatly help!!