Posted 2014-03-16 7:25 PM Subject: Retraining older barrel horse who hasn't raced in a few years
boon
Posts: 4
I just bought a horse at a sale and we were kind of limited for background info on it however they did say that this horse ran barrels and was a consistent 1D barrel horse. I know that that statement may be exaggerated but I am assuming that this horse has ran barrels before. He's a big 15 year old gelding who is perfectly sound and healthy. So what should I be doing to start barrel racing on him? How do I judge what he knows? Do I just start with the basics? It's too cold yet to ride him in the arena but I'm just looking for a place to start with him. Thanks!
Posted 2014-03-16 7:45 PM Subject: RE: Retraining older barrel horse who hasn't raced in a few years
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 357 Location: Colorful Colorado
If he was my horse I'd trot and slow lope him through the pattern and see how he positions himself or if he needs help. If he feels right add some speed and see what happens. Good Luck, I hope he works for you.
Posted 2014-03-16 7:50 PM Subject: RE: Retraining older barrel horse who hasn't raced in a few years
A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354 Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas
Ride the horse for awhile and get used to him, make sure hes not lame are burned out on barrels. What kind of sale did he come from? And how long has he not ran barrels? Most barrel horses dont forget how to run a set even after being off for a few years. Just take it slow.
Posted 2014-03-17 9:47 AM Subject: RE: Retraining older barrel horse who hasn't raced in a few years
You get what you give
Posts: 13030 Location: Texas
I just leg them up and see what they have to offer. I don't try and change anything, I let them show me how they were trained and what they know and I try to ride behind that. So far its been working with my new horse, she was described the same way. We've been in the 2D so far but I've been making some mistakes on her and I haven't been asking much of her yet. Diamonds and Dirt was the first time I've even picked up a whip on the way home with her. she was at the bottom of the 2D there… I was pleased! Tough company there, and it was our 4th run together.
Retraining older barrel horse who hasn't raced in a few years
