What type of boots should I use on my horse for barrel racing?and other tack Questions?

Question

Hey,

I was wondering what kind of boots should I use on my horse if I would barrel race her?

Do all barrel racers use a breast collar?

What kind of spurs do you use, if you use them?

-I am thinking of useing bumpers, or none.

Thanks

PS. As always, feel free to leave barrel racing tips.

Answer 1

I barrel race and run in the 18's. I use the SMB Elite on all fours plus bell boots. I use a heavy duty brest collar, and rounded spurs, my horse doesnt like bumpers. And you can never do enough slow work. SOmetimes its good to go to a jackpot and just lope around the barrels. Any other questions( eamil me at [e-mail])

Answer 2

All I do is barrelrace with my horses and from the expirience I've had you can never learn to much. I prefer a "choker" breast collar when running barrels just because a regular breast collar is like... a bra strap hanging low on your arm and then trying to swing it. Chokers simply rest above the point of shoulder on the horse and look similar to a neclace on a horse. It still does the job of holding the saddle in place but doesn't restrict movement of the legs wich is important to enhance the running ability of your horse. As for spurs, I would rather not use them but go to a proffesional for advice on what would suite you best. Different horses require different things. Also you wont really need them as much as other people say if you do enough "homework" with your horse. Remember, spurs are not meant to be used to make the horse "go faster" but simply teach them to move off of your leg more. A soft and supple horse will require a less saviere spur. I would highly recomend going to a Sharon Camarillo barrel racing clinic. She travels all over the world and gives clinics to people of all expirience levels. Just go to her website at www.sharoncamarillo.com. I hope that helps!

Answer 3

For boots, you really only need boots on her front legs. I have been running barrels for 6 years in the NBHA and I use SMB(sports medicine boots) or Combination Boots. Many barrel races just use Polo Wraps. If you use Polo's, be sure that you know how to PROPERLY wrap your horses legs. If you wrap them to tight you horse will be uncomfortable. Wrapping them to loose will cause them to slip down. Also, Bell Boots on the front hooves protect the bulbs of your horses hooves.

Not all barrel racers use Breast Collars. A breast collar is used to prevent the saddle from slipping back when your horse is running. If you are using a tie-down, I would recomend a breast collar to thread the tie-down through so if your horse puts his head down he cannot step over it. Again, when using a breast collar, make sure that it is ajusted properly.

Using spurs is NOT nessicerry. if you dont know how to use them, then DONT. You could cause your horse to buck and hurt you. And you dont want to hurt your horse. I suggest buying an Over -n- Under Whip. It slips over your saddle horn and hangs down your horses side. When using it you pick it up and simply slap it over your arm and back under the other. Your horse will quickly learn that when you reach for the whip it means "go."

When you begin barrel racing, DO NOT just start running the barrels. Start out by walking them...when you get to a barrel stop and back a few steps and then go around it. It teaches your horse to "rate." He will slow down enough to go around the barrel. Also, make sure to NEVER drop your shoulder in a turn. Your horse WILL hit the barrel.

hope i helped.

:)

Answer 4

It sounds like your coping everyone else,,

You need splint boots yes , But all the other boots depends on how he moves and if he is hitting him self somewhere,,

Go to a real trainer , P.S. Most people in barrels think they are one lol)

But go to a real trainer one that shows ,Show Horses Not just barrels

If you do not know about spurs do NOT USE THEM ,,,That question again sounds like your a beginner!

The less tack the better ,The more you learn the better , And going to a reing horse trainer the better for you and your horse

Take care  good luck,

Answer 5

Though technically I don't barrel race I can answer some of your questions.  For high speeds and tight turning I would recommend using Sports Medicine Boots which provide both vertical and horizontal support to the tendons in the lower leg, and if  your horse has a tendency to overreach, in other words, step on his front heels with his hind toes, then bell boots or overreach boots are also good.  As to the question of a breast collar, you could ride without it, but it will significantly reduce the chances of your saddle slipping as you ride the barrel pattern.  I use both Sports Medicine Boots and elasticized breast plates when jumping my horses, it is simply one less thing to worry about.  You should only use spurs if you have had them recommended by your riding instructor and have been properly instructed in their use.  Bumper spurs are relatively harmless but you should still be very careful when using them, I would rather you carry a short crop, leather slapper or an over-under since these won't cause the horse to react to them unless you are delibrately using them.  It is relatively easy for a novice rider to turn out their toes and constantly irritate their horse with even the smallest spurs.  Beyond that, my only recommendation besides a knowledgable riding instructor is a helmet.  I know a lot of barrel racers don't use them unless forced to, but barrel horses are often very hyped up before a run and can be dangerous, I agree with the philosophy 'every ride, every time' accidents can and do happen and a good helmet can save you in a fall.