What should I do on training my young mare on Barrels?

Question

I have a ten year old American Quarter horse cross Arabian mare. She is very fast, and I have trouble slowing her before a barrel. She can cut around the barrels pretty good, but she needs to learn how to slow, turn, and take off. How should I do this?

I've owned horses for six years, and I've only ridden on trails, until three years ago when I started gaming with my older arabian gelding. I retired and sold him to a retire pasture. I am used to a slower horse, and I'm slightly afraid of my new mares speed. I've ridden a champion barrel racer, but I have no training on how to teach a horse how to barrel race. Any help I can get will be greatly Appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Yea don't learn how to ride barrel s... Learn how to ride right first  

Meaning something then spur whip and go

Learn your balance and also if you can not ride without sturriups at a trot or a lope your not ready for barrel racing

Plus it hurts your horse more then a good trained race horse

try something like Jumpers or hunters or western pleasure or cutters you will learn more about horses Then chasing a TRASH CAN

I hate barrel racers BOOOO

Answer 2

Well, my first tip would be to remember you don't always have to go full speed to train. Try doing the barrels at a trot a few times until you get your horse to collect itself coming around the barrel. When you have mastered that then go on to some slow cantering. Finally, when you feel ready go full speed. But that SHOULDNT be very often. Training a barrel horse is just like training for any other division of riding, you have to do it carefully and take time. The sport itself may be fast, but training to fast will make your horse bored and sour. Also, you might want to try just doing some flat work with your horse. Anything to help you and your horse connect. Even dressage, as odd as it sounds. Finally, work on lead changes with your horse. I dont know if you are having trouble with getting your horse to change leads around barrels or not, but thats just a tip to help your horse take off better. Good luck! Hope this helps!

Answer 3

well i'm having the same problems with my new horse i just bought. but somebody once told me if you want to make your horse slow down make her stop at the barrel for a couple of seconds and then move on. Also trust your horse. i'm having a hard time doin that but horses know what their doin so just try to trust them