Posted 2014-09-30 7:52 PM Subject: How to decide if you need to switch directions....
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399
ALITTLE BACK STORY.... so my colt is currently running at the bottom of the 2d. Ournproblem is our first we just cannot get it down, his 2nd and 3rd are nice and snappy Nd quick. But his first he has to go up slow and we still are not snappy and he is always deep on the backside. This is the only lefty horse I have had... I am wondering if I am to s point where I should switch him back to the right. At what point do you stop with drills and exercises and just try the other direction?
Posted 2014-09-30 11:04 PM Subject: RE: How to decide if you need to switch directions....
Ones with the Hotties
Posts: 1451 Location: Centerburg, OH
definatly try him to the right. You say he has it mastered. It shoule be easy 4 him. The 2nd should be easier also cause the pressure is off sinse its not the first
Posted 2014-10-01 7:12 AM Subject: RE: How to decide if you need to switch directions....
Elite Veteran
Posts: 825
EmtRoper - 2014-09-30 8:52 PM
ALITTLE BACK STORY.... so my colt is currently running at the bottom of the 2d. Ournproblem is our first we just cannot get it down, his 2nd and 3rd are nice and snappy Nd quick. But his first he has to go up slow and we still are not snappy and he is always deep on the backside. This is the only lefty horse I have had... I am wondering if I am to s point where I should switch him back to the right. At what point do you stop with drills and exercises and just try the other direction?
I'm not sure that I'd switch him back. Yeah, his first to the right might be snappy and quick, but what about the 2nd and 3rd? Seems like 1 rough turn to the left would be better than 2. JMO.
I'd suggest to keep drilling and slow working. I have a mare that had a killer first barrel to the right but her 2nd and 3rd weren't that great so I switched to the left. Now she has 2 right turns that are killer. I've been drilling on her since April and she is finally getting to where I can trust her to run to the 1st. Keep chipping away at it.
Posted 2014-10-01 8:48 AM Subject: RE: How to decide if you need to switch directions....
Veteran
Posts: 246 Location: Idaho
So here is my personal preference. When I start one on the pattern, which side their mane falls on is the barrel I go to first. Ive heard that the side their mane falls on is their dominent side. And so far Ive found this to be true. I like to make this their first barrel for a couple reasons. Usually the speed to one is high and to turn it well they need to 1. Be on he correct lead and 2. Have lots of stride control, which i feel is easier on their strongest lead. I like having a really good first to help set us up for a good run. The speed across the pen and angle to 2 and 3 is different and in my opinion is easier teach them then the the speed and angle to 1. Just my opinion and personal preference.... for what it is worth :)
How to decide if you need to switch directions....
