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I am a Freak
Posts: 3326
   
Location: Nowhere Special | I'm not complaining at all with the progress on my gelding but I'm just not sure hes going to be the calibuer of barrel horse that I was hoping he was going to be. To be fair to him he had 60 days barrel training on him several years ago (like 5) then turned out to pasture, I rode him and hauled him about a handful of times last year. He did ok but was by no means "ready to run" still had lots of holes in his pattern and NO speed at all was being entered in. Well I have had him in TX for three weeks now and I have to say I have done more on this horse in 3 weeks then I have in 7 years. He has come along nicely and is exhibitioning 2-3D times with entries floating around the 100 mark. But I just don't feel like he has what it takes to be a 1D horse, hes working a nice pattern, still not even close to flawless and not with as much speed as he has to give but half and full second is a LOT to make up and I'm just not sure he has it to be that kind of horse in this kind of competition.. Hes come really far really fast in 3 weeks and I am super happy with the progress but I'm not sure how many more months to give him to see if hes gonna cut the mustard or not.. |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | for some horses it can take YEARS............my one horse is 7 and he still isn't ready.....and he has been rode and used since he was 2, started to haul him when he was 5..................i have a coming 5 yr old that will be hauled but not entered in anything til late this fall and only if i think she is ready.........
m |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I think you need to give him some more time to figure things out. If you say he's running 2D-3D with flaws what is making you think he can't be 1D horse? He just might not be confident enough to run any faster.
Some horses can take years to season and if he's made vast improvements in 3 weeks imagine what another 3 months can do for him! Keep believing in him and I think you'll be suprised! |
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 Leggs
Posts: 4680
Location: lexington KY | I would be thrilled with the progress and keep going. Doesnt sound like he has had much consistency in his life as far as the pattern. Consistency makes horses and being in top shape, so I sure wouldnt be givng up. I would be super happy that he has the mind to do what he is doing with only 3 weeks, patience sometimes pays off. |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | My horse didn't start winning the 1D (locally) until he was 11 or 12. Started him on barrels when he was 4.
It took him quite a while to find that extra gear. |
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 Party Girl
Posts: 12293
Location: Buffalo, Wyoming | I have a gelding that is 13 and I have owned him for 3 years. He had been turned out for 2 years before I bought him and I can not honestly say how much time they spent on him.
For 2 years we battled with inconsistent runs and then this last spring he finally turned it on and put it all together at age 12. He could win the 1D all day long if I could ride him right where before we couldn't even full out run because he was all over the place and would land in the 4D.
I say give him time, he has made tons of progress in 3 weeks. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 902
Location: Qld Australia | Wow - it doesn't sound like you are giving him much of a chance before you cut him. Until now as you say he has had no consistency to his patterning at all. If I had one hitting the 2D after three weeks I would be super excited and pretty sure I had something to make some money on.
I vote it is way too early to be dismissing him.
I just read your post again and am still blown away that you are questioning him at this point.
Go haul him some more and have a bunch of fun. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | mruggles - 2014-02-25 2:52 PM
for some horses it can take YEARS............my one horse is 7 and he still isn't ready.....and he has been rode and used since he was 2, started to haul him when he was 5..................i have a coming 5 yr old that will be hauled but not entered in anything til late this fall and only if i think she is ready.........
m
I have a 7 yr old that is still trying to figure it out. I know he can be maybe not go out and win everything but right up there. He is just now getting done growing...I think that's a lot of his issue is he doesn't know how to handle his body because it's always changing. I'm hoping this year he will start to step it up |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| jetgetset - 2014-02-25 1:46 PM I'm not complaining at all with the progress on my gelding but I'm just not sure hes going to be the calibuer of barrel horse that I was hoping he was going to be. To be fair to him he had 60 days barrel training on him several years ago (like 5) then turned out to pasture, I rode him and hauled him about a handful of times last year. He did ok but was by no means "ready to run" still had lots of holes in his pattern and NO speed at all was being entered in. Well I have had him in TX for three weeks now and I have to say I have done more on this horse in 3 weeks then I have in 7 years. He has come along nicely and is exhibitioning 2-3D times with entries floating around the 100 mark. But I just don't feel like he has what it takes to be a 1D horse, hes working a nice pattern, still not even close to flawless and not with as much speed as he has to give but half and full second is a LOT to make up and I'm just not sure he has it to be that kind of horse in this kind of competition.. Hes come really far really fast in 3 weeks and I am super happy with the progress but I'm not sure how many more months to give him to see if hes gonna cut the mustard or not..
I think youre the one not "cutting the mustard"... |
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7616
Location: Dubach, LA | Only you can say if this horse fits you and your program. It's not a crime to sell one that you don't enjoy. It's okay. |
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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | rockinj - 2014-02-26 6:56 PM Wow - it doesn't sound like you are giving him much of a chance before you cut him. Until now as you say he has had no consistency to his patterning at all. If I had one hitting the 2D after three weeks I would be super excited and pretty sure I had something to make some money on.
I vote it is way too early to be dismissing him.
I just read your post again and am still blown away that you are questioning him at this point.
Go haul him some more and have a bunch of fun.
I agree completely. I've never had one hit the 2D or heck even the top of the 4D after 3 weeks on the pattern. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | An experienced opinion is that you should be thrilled with your progress...keep him or pm me, I'll buy him :) |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | Before I even tried to determine whether or not this horse was showing me that he had the ability to be what I wanted, I would question why it has taken me so long to do anything with him. Some of them, we just don't like. It may be absolutely no fault on the horse's behalf. Not every horse is going to spark that feeling in you that makes you say "I can't wait to swing a leg over this one again!". That's not necessarily a negative reflection on the horse, or rider. If that is what has kept you from getting to business on this horse long before now, sell him and get yourself one that you enjoy riding.
Personally, I am hauling one now that I just couldn't bring myself to ride earlier. Long story short, we owned a full brother to him, which we lost very tragically. Bought the younger full brother sight unseen. He was very poor and we spent forever getting him right before I rode him. When I finally was able to get on him, I wasn't able to get passed the fact that he wasn't his brother. I kicked him back out for over a year. One of my working students took a shine to him and started riding him under my supervision. From time to time, I would have to get on and work through an issue. In those rides, I started to realize how nice of a horse he was in his own right. I am now hauling him and loving him more and more with every week.
If I had one that was progressing as yours' seems to be, I would be happy. I would also think that if he is clocking in the 2D/3D with the bobbles that you are saying he is making, plus he wasn't really firing, I would think that there would be some actual potential there. If it were me, I'd give him another 60-90 days. If he isn't smoothing out and starting to fire, I'd move him. In that time, you might also develop a different opinion of him. Even if he does develop and really starts clocking, if you still don't like him, he's only going to be more marketable and more valuable. |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | I dont think you have even begun to give the horse a fair chance. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1367
Location: mi | My experience has been from starting the pattern to that feeling of we can go in any time and have a chance of winning is 3 years. First season is usually just getting out there and seeing the sights as much as the pattern. Second season is good but inconsistent until usually fall. And 3rd season we start nailing it and winning consistently at the level they are going to be. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | has it been enough time? probably not. But like wrapsnap said, if you don't have that IT factor with the horse, its no crime to sell it and move on to something else. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | WrapSnap - 2014-02-26 9:32 PM Before I even tried to determine whether or not this horse was showing me that he had the ability to be what I wanted, I would question why it has taken me so long to do anything with him. Some of them, we just don't like. It may be absolutely no fault on the horse's behalf. Not every horse is going to spark that feeling in you that makes you say "I can't wait to swing a leg over this one again!". That's not necessarily a negative reflection on the horse, or rider. If that is what has kept you from getting to business on this horse long before now, sell him and get yourself one that you enjoy riding. Personally, I am hauling one now that I just couldn't bring myself to ride earlier. Long story short, we owned a full brother to him, which we lost very tragically. Bought the younger full brother sight unseen. He was very poor and we spent forever getting him right before I rode him. When I finally was able to get on him, I wasn't able to get passed the fact that he wasn't his brother. I kicked him back out for over a year. One of my working students took a shine to him and started riding him under my supervision. From time to time, I would have to get on and work through an issue. In those rides, I started to realize how nice of a horse he was in his own right. I am now hauling him and loving him more and more with every week. If I had one that was progressing as yours' seems to be, I would be happy. I would also think that if he is clocking in the 2D/3D with the bobbles that you are saying he is making, plus he wasn't really firing, I would think that there would be some actual potential there. If it were me, I'd give him another 60-90 days. If he isn't smoothing out and starting to fire, I'd move him. In that time, you might also develop a different opinion of him. Even if he does develop and really starts clocking, if you still don't like him, he's only going to be more marketable and more valuable.
You have received a lot of good answers here. And I definately agree with what WrapSnap said. Don't judge yourself or this horse too harshly. Follow your heart. |
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I am a Freak
Posts: 3326
Location: Nowhere Special | Thank You for all the comments.. I think I need to clear a few things up. Like I said I am SUPER happy with his progress, I LOVE this horse and it would break my heart to cut him. I raised him, owned his mother 28 years and grew up on her, he is ALL I HAVE LEFT OF HER.. I would hate for him not to make the horse I want him to make. But I also have to be realistic and he is a gelding so I can't hold on to him for sentimental reasons.
Yes he has progressed amazingly. But I am use to seasoning horses that are still clocking with huge bobbles.. He has no huge bobbles to make up a second and half of time. He stauls out a little behind the second and no he is not firing like he should. But I am use to horses that will go to the fence or just have one completley awful barrel but fire so you can see where your time is lost or needs to be made up if that makes sense.. What I'm saying with him is he is just not firing. I added spurs and took a second an a half off the times he was running and thats still not even close to what he has to give. How much I'll ever get out of him I just don't know. He is a PERFECT 2/3D horse for a youth or novice rider right now. Quiet as the day is long, walks in walks out and would just assume trot a pattern as run it. I'm worried about getting that time down and being able to get that much run out of him. (he has it to give just is not giving it in the arena) and I have never had one do this. I would love to camp on him for 3 years and just wait but I have two others with amazing potential as well sitting at home and I can only afford board on one here till I get a place bought. Everyday they all get a little older so I just don't want to wast to much time if hes just going to be a horse that won't fire. So I hope I made it clear what I was asking and not that I am at all dissapointed in him, its just a time and money thing. I was thinking another 3 months and if he does not improve by half a second or more then its time to move on to something else.
Andy I think I answered your question. I love the horse. The reason I havn't done anything with him in so long is because I have a full time job that is not forgiving of a barrel racing lifestyle in an area where you have to drive 3+ hours one way to make a barrel race once a week if you are lucky. And thats in the summer, winter is even harder. Without an indoor and this job I just couldn't do it. So its not that there is any hole in this horse, or that I don't like to swing a leg over him it was simply that with adult responsability to job and bills I was not able to do what I am now that I have moved to tx and have the opportunity that I am taking full advantage of.. This horse is a half brother to the big gray horse meaghan hauled down to FL with you. Hopefully with your help she will be pulling checks on him soon as well!
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Have you tried to just breeze him out on a track? Have you ever really felt his speed and know that he's not giving it all he's got?
I was assuming you we saying he's exhibitioning 2/3D with 1/2 second splits. If you're on a full second split system and say that he can't make up the time I'd probably be looking to move on as well.
I'd certainly still give him at least three more months and hopefully he'll gain his confidence and start firing. I wish I could offer you some suggestions in that area! He sounds like he has amazing potential and could really make something of himself if he could just munster up his get up and go! |
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 Scorpions R Us
Posts: 9586
Location: So. Cali. | I gave one a year once. Still couldnt keep it together. Some just take longer to wake up.
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I am a Freak
Posts: 3326
Location: Nowhere Special | Yes Ive breezed him a lot at home. The speed is there the sucker is faster then greased lighting when he wants to be.. Yes I was talking half second splits as well just depends on the competition where he falls.. He ran a 16.0 last decent run he had and that night a 15.4 something won it.. Last monday he didn't run as well 16.3 and a smoking 15.0 won it.. so hes staying consistent but just depending on whos there to win on what horse that day decides his D.. So we would at the very least need to make up a full second to a second and three tenths to (best to worst times)run with the tougher competiton in the 1D.. clear as mudd right? LOL
Edited by jetgetset 2014-02-27 11:39 AM
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | For sure! ;)
Do you prefer to rodeo? I only ask because as a 4D'er I'd love to have a consistent 2D horse (granted that the 1D horses' times stay the same) that could put me in the money versus a horse that was 1-2 spots out of the money at rodeo or low 1D horse that won't be near the money unless he bobbles and gets into the top of 2D.
Hopefully you'll find a place soon and keep him (even if it's for sentimental reasons) and maybe just have to axe one of the others! |
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I am a Freak
Posts: 3326
Location: Nowhere Special | I'd love to rodeo but for now I am happy with running series, jackpots and D's.. Just as long as I am getting to go I am happy :) I guess I'm very spoiled as my last "good" horse and the last time I got to go with any consistency I had a top 1D level horse that won D's as well as rodeos and never knocked or bobbled in the 5 short years I got to run him. So I was use to winning everything and knowing I was going to pull a check when I pulled in. So its hard to get out of the mindset of he has to win the 1D and I should just be happy if he pulls a check in any D.. Its the perfectionist in me, dirty demon.. LOL |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | Knowing now that he is a half sib to the Hokester, I would say that he'll be alright. I hadn't spent much time with him before this trip to FL. In the course of a couple weeks, I saw him really start to put things together. The speed is there, for sure, just as you say it is with your horse. I just don't think that he understands what his body is capable of yet, at all. Even the good turns (those without bobbles) can be made .2 more snappy. Sounds like a lot, but I've proven it time and again.
I won't expect Hokie to really have it for another couple of years, at least. I just don't think that he has even begun to come into himself physically. He might be doing some great things by the end of this season, but it won't be anything near what I think he is capable of. In the time that I spent on him, I felt him have moments where he went "Oh, look, my body can do that. That's cool!", but I'm not completely sure that that means that he "got it". I'd say that you shouldn't fret if your guy is anything like him. Just take the pressure off of yourself (and him) to be out there winning and focus on enjoying the process! |
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I am a Freak
Posts: 3326
Location: Nowhere Special | I havn't seen Hoakey since the day he left. Looks like with some more collection and slow work from the videos he will be coming along nicely.. I had that same problem with mine with the over bending at the neck, like a rubber band and I put him in a hack to stiffin him up, really helped him out a bunch you guys may want to try that. I'm going back to a loomis and running martingale to work on our collection around the second so we can get away from that staul out probably wouldn't hurt hoakey to go that route either.. Anyway I hear they are coming to stay with you so I'm sure you guys will have all the bugs worked out and have him clocking in no time at all.. (these horses actually come on over night, its just like one day a light bulb comes on and they are ready set go solid horses from that day on.. They don't really come on a little at a time. Its just we suck, we suck, we suck, BANG... super horse.. LOL |
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How much time do you give them?