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![](<a href="http://s1033.photobucket.com/user/andersmk5/media/horse/20141010_173339-1_zpsv5eadqyj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1033.photob) Regular
Posts: 76
| The horse I bought 7 months ago was drugged, literally went crazy after I moved her to my barn. Even the vet recommended euthanizing her before she killed someone.
We had to completely restart her training, it took awhile but I found the perfect trainer to work with her, she understands how to work with abused horses and has been the only one able to make progress with this horse.
Its not just a little progress. This horse is 100% different. Went from running through fences and attacking people to being able to show her in 4h last week.
The one problem is that this trainer is huge into dressage, while I believe dressage can benefit any horse and rider I want to start this horse on barrels hopefully by next spring.
Im not sure on when to stop the dressage training and get a different trainer. Opinions?
Currently she comes out twice a week for 3 hrs. |
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  JMHO
Posts: 1869
  
Location: Oklahoma | I'd keep with the dressage training as long as you can. I can't see anything they do that wouldn't help a horse "get more broke". The more broke the better barrel horse you'll have. In my opinion. |
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Location: South Dakota | I would stick with what has proven to work for you and your horse...just incorporate your barrel training in with the dressage techniques..
Don't mess with success :)
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Expert
Posts: 1226
| Totally agree. Dressage training can benefit a lot of disciplines. I took a few dressage lessons and really felt like it helped mye feel my horse a lot more This was years ago but I enjoyed it and something different. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
 
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | I use some dressage techniques in my training. I believe any discipline would benefit from it. |
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Veteran
Posts: 231
Location: Nashvegas | I believe that dressage training can be greatly beneficial for barrel racing or any riding discipline. It is all about controling the hips, ribcage and shoulders, well overall body control of your horse and that directly translates into a successful barrel horse. I use dressage techniques in my training as well and love learning from all of the exceptional dressage ladies we have in the area. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | Dreamin of 3cans - 2014-08-05 3:46 PM I'd keep with the dressage training as long as you can. I can't see anything they do that wouldn't help a horse "get more broke". The more broke the better barrel horse you'll have. In my opinion.
I definately agree. Keep the dressage training up as long as you can. It won't hurt to start her on barrels either while she is doing dressage. |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | I'm going to echo another "agree". Keep the horse in dressage training. Teach the horse to use it's body effectively and be able to cue for anything. It will make running barrels easy. |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | Let's draw a parallel to what dressage teaches a horse verses what we ask and want our barrel horses to do....while full collection in dressage isn't something barrel horses do, the ability for a horse to collect their body up and be comfortable engaging certain muscles does benefit on the pattern. Controlling of the shoulder, ribs and hip all aspects of dressage to do certain moves whether stopped or moving...controlling those areas in barrel racing are important to make for a proper smooth turn and line between barrels.
IMO it's a great learning tool and foundation point.... |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Dressage will help every horse in every discipline. Keep your horse with that trainer as long as you need, because she obviously is going something right, and the dressage training will make your horse easier to ride and train and will help her fitness and body control. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I agree with the others. I would keep the horse in dressage training and even if someday you go to a barrel trainer, I would continue lessons with the dressage trainer because its such an asset to any horse. I do a lot of dressage with my horse during the week. Keep them strong and fit. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1526
Location: Texas | I would sell and buy something different |
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 Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | I am looking at starting dressage lessons with my gelding to help him build up his topline and stifles. :) Keep her with the current trainer. |
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 Ones with the Hotties
Posts: 1451
Location: Centerburg, OH | i could compete in low dressage test on all my horses. But maybe this horse would be better suited as a pony club horse and you may be better with something ready to start on the pattern now. Either way embrace all you are learning. GOOD LUCK |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 617
Location: London Ontario | My MIL is a very well respected Dressage rider, trainer and competitor around here and I take lessons from her and have her school all my horses whenever she can!!! Keep at it!!! |
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 Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | I believe that dressage is the base for all other things! I grew up riding English, and if I get in a pickle I revert back to that base line. Nothing wrong with getting a horse broke broke broke!
Good luck! 
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Regular
Posts: 76
| Thank you! I ride at a large gaming barn and everyone there thinks it's really weird I have a dressage trainer working with my barrel prospect, so it was making me question myself! |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | keep that dressage going as long as possible. I bet she'll take to barrels very quickly the more dressage she does. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 173
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow | Keep it up. I would even look into doing some schooling tests. This will help you both feel the emotion of competition, preparing for your ride etc...It's low key but still nerves start rushing when you step into the ring. It will help you mentally as well. |
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Veteran
Posts: 173
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow | mollibtexan - 2014-08-05 6:10 PM
I would sell and buy something different
Rude and not constructive.
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Location: South Dakota | Elsa5 - 2014-08-06 11:28 PM Thank you! I ride at a large gaming barn and everyone there thinks it's really weird I have a dressage trainer working with my barrel prospect, so it was making me question myself!
They won't be thinking it's wierd when you start having some nice runs and getting to the pay window... |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | BabyJ - 2014-08-07 9:49 AM mollibtexan - 2014-08-05 6:10 PM I would sell and buy something different Rude and not constructive.
Agreed BabyJ.
She asked a question about training not selling. She clearly likes this horse and has high hopes for the horse.
I agree with every above poster on continuing the training. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I think in your situation I would continue what's working with your horse. Not because it's dressage, but because the individual working with your horse has made huge improvements with her.
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dressage training for barrel prospect?