Posted 2014-10-13 12:52 PM Subject: Suggestions for more speed in my 1D -2D mare?
boon
Posts: 3
I have a 7 year old quarter horse mare who I can't seem to get to open up on the pattern. She runs 1D at small shows and 2D at big shows. I've kept her on a daily treatment for ulcers because she is prone and I know she is healthy. She will hunt a cow down no problem. Where I work her during the week in an open field, I have some tires out to work on the barrels. She will lean into the bit just waiting for me to let her go so she can run but as soon as we get to the first tire she lifts her head and just kind of high lopes through. She's clocking good but it feels like she's just going through the motions for me and not giving it her all like she will after a cow. I feel like any barrel horse that loves what they do will be leaning into the bit waiting to be let go and she doesn't do that in the arena. She likes it but doesn't love it. So I started setting up the pattern at our arena and then loading some steers in the roping shoot, I'll let one go to the back end and wait and then let her go and she's flying after the steer, then I check her and make her turn the barrel. It seems to be helping a little but I want her to love what she does , not just like it. She's not utilizing her athleticism. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Posted 2014-10-13 2:08 PM Subject: RE: Suggestions for more speed in my 1D -2D mare?
Born not Made
Posts: 2937 Location: North Dakota
Do you have a video? Would be nice to see her run and see how you jockey her.
First thought (as always) if a horse isn't firing, is to make sure they aren't in pain. - saddle fit - teeth check - chiro - lameness eval - good farrier
Second thought to think about if pain isn't an issue: Is it that she hasn't figured out how to run yet (light bulb hasn't come on) or is it that she just does not have her HEART in it? It's a possibility that barrels just isn't her thing. Or maybe she just needs more time.
Suggestions for more speed in my 1D -2D mare?
