/Streakin/ - 2014-12-30 3:18 PM  As the title states. I know we all have our "go to" drills. I'm looking for some ideas to change things up. I have a gelding I started that really hunts a barrel. Now it's just his 2nd he wants to drop his shoulder on. I do reverse arcs etc...just wanting some ideas and exercises that have worked for all of you :)

dream_chaser - 2014-12-30 3:08 PM

 Square exercises! If a horse is dropping his shoulder then his hind end and ribs are not engage and driving him forward! I'm not sure if your cueing him or what's going on but square exercises help to keep the rider aware of where all 4 feet are.....

http://www.conniecombs.com/DrilloftheMonth%5B1%5D.pdf

 

FlyingJT - 2014-12-30 2:21 PM That was my first thought, his hips are not engaged. Pay attention to the approach you are sending him in at and if he is keeping his hip under himself. You can do the square exercise and also when you rate back him up and move his hips in, really over exaggerate and back him until he is parallel to the barrel.

/Streakin/ - 2014-12-30 3:00 PM

 Actually...I have a video of his 3rd exhibition a few weeks ago. Will try to upload it

grinandbareit - 2014-12-30 9:22 PM


Without watching at least a FEW videos it just isn't possible to give an accurate answer. There are so many reasons that it can happen... you could be causing him to do it, he could be sore, he could just need a tune up. There are lots of variables as well... How old is the horse? How long ago did you start him on barrels? Can he make a correct barrel turn away from the barrels? Do you know what a correct barrel circle feels like when you're "riding on the flat" so to speak? That is just a few of the questions that need to be answered, lol. Maybe go to a reputable coach and get a little help before the situation escalates and you don't enjoy going on him anymore.

Good luck!

/Streakin/ - 2014-12-30 9:40 PM


 Yes the horse has a solid foundation. There are a few things that need work but he's fundamentally solid. He's had less than 60 days on him. Hauled and exhibitioned 3x. Like I said just looking for some drills not really wanting my videos critiqued and ripped apart. I'm friends w some awesome riders and trainers. If I have a question theyre there. If I have a problem I haul out there. 2014 world champion ;). Just wanting to change the routine up.JohnBoy 3rd exhibition: http://youtu.be/9CtxqbLa9mw

grinandbareit - 2014-12-30 10:24 PM



I like him! I think he's going to be really nice. It looks like you ride him well... I think that he is a horse that just has a "drop" style at the barrel. In essence, he runs in there and drops a bit on the backside. Just make sure that you stay two-handed and ride him up a little further before you let him turn. If I were to do any exercises with him it would be to make sure he keeps his forward motion in the turns... and that you can do away from the barrels or with only one barrel. Just get him to collect up and stay fluid and round while loping around the barrel (or little barrel circle). Try to keep him moving and fluid for 3 or 4 tiny circles before you let him come out of it. That should help a lot!

Good luck with him, he looks good... and keep us posted!

vjls - 2014-12-30 2:31 PM


don/t take this personally but when mine dropped a shoulder goinfg in it was usually me going to saddle horn to early or leaning

also the 6 barrel exercise josey hav a dia gram  or the circle of barrel  where you have barrels in a large circle

but  i bet without see a video that you are giving him a suble hint 

streakysox - 2014-12-30 11:17 PMI agree. This is a rider issue. If you lean toward the barrel the horse is going to drop its shoulder. Practice pushing back on the saddle horn and keep your weight on your outside foot. Look to where you want the horse to go not at the barrel. I have been in the same place and it has taken some work on my part to fix it but I have.

/Streakin/ - 2014-12-31 11:17 AM

 How do you know it's the rider's (my) fault? Have you watched the video? Have you seen multiple videos? Seeing how this horse used to try to cut in on circles....I seriously doubt it's entirely my fault. I think it's a tendency of his that my riding will worsen or help. I think it's always a good idea to look at ourselves before we go spend money on gear and vets to fix something we might be enabling. I guess it just irks me that you lay 100% of the blame on me without knowing much at all about the situation, lol. This wasnt even really all about MYSELF.....im sure others would love ideas too. Anyways, I looked up some of the drills....they look great to try! Even on my finished horse. Keep the exercises/ideas coming :)

cheryl makofka - 2014-12-31 2:34 PM


I have come to the conclusion, it is always the rider/ trainer fault, or the horse is in pain. Horses don't deliberately dive into a barrel, it is always something we tell them to do and it can be very frustrating.

I watched the video a little blurry and far away, but I do see a red flag at the approach to second, when his shoulder gets to the second barrel, he takes his head away and stiffens up, your body posture at this time becomes tense and you are not one with the horse.

If this was my horse, I would look at teeth, bits, etc as I cannot see what bit you are using.

Then I would at that specific spot break the horse down a gait while maintaining shape and circle the barrel a few times then proceed. I would do this till the horse can collect and maintain shape around the turn.

I would also do more Ed Writ drills, his larger circle then smaller, moving the horse in and out of the circle around the second.

/Streakin/ - 2014-12-31 2:57 PM


 I re watched a re watched the video....but I don't see what you're saying? I even broke it down frame by frame. The horse is sound....teeth done....loomis bit.

cheryl makofka - 2014-12-31 3:17 PM


I went back and reviewed again, sorry it was 1 stride before second at the 5 second mark on the video, and his nose almost points away from the barrel, the shoulder drops. I believe this is when you went to the horn, as your inside shoulder drops as well, your arm goes straight almost like you locked your elbow.

As I said not the easiest video to review, but this is where I see a problem starting if not corrected.

cheryl makofka - 2014-12-31 3:17 PM


I went back and reviewed again, sorry it was 1 stride before second at the 5 second mark on the video, and his nose almost points away from the barrel, the shoulder drops. I believe this is when you went to the horn, as your inside shoulder drops as well, your arm goes straight almost like you locked your elbow.

As I said not the easiest video to review, but this is where I see a problem starting if not corrected.

streakysox - 2014-12-31 3:42 PM


I watched the video over and over got glasses on and watched it. You really cannot tell much about it but a couple of things that I did note is the video is titled THIRD RUN ON Johnboy. I assume this is the third time you ran him after you bought him. Also, you did not hit the barrel. The horse did not drop his shoulder AND you are not leaning in. Let's put this information together. I would say that the horse has recently started doing this and you have become a little lax in sitting up. Go back and look at previous video where you had a good run and learn from them. If you have a video of the horse dropping at the barrel it would be helpful especially if it is better quality.

merdth6 - 2014-12-31 2:13 PM I think he looks good!!  I also think he is still learning and finding his style.  Looks like he really likes to drop down in there and go around that barrel.  I thought his hind leg stayed underneath him.  He is just still figuring his feet out and if your used to a free runner then you are still figuring him out.  Keep up the good work! 

Nevertooold - 2014-12-31 5:04 PM


I agree with the above and Grin and Bear It. 
Very cool horse.
Don't over think this. 

MSDash - 2014-12-30 8:17 PM Vet check. 9 times out of 10 when I have one that starts cheating it's sore...not wanting to stay on the hind end and trying to move weight...after you get everything checked and it's nothing wrong then I would start the drills. No horse "wants " to crash barrels...it's either pain or a learned response to the rider

grinandbareit - 2014-12-30 10:24 PM



I like him! I think he's going to be really nice. It looks like you ride him well... I think that he is a horse that just has a "drop" style at the barrel. In essence, he runs in there and drops a bit on the backside. Just make sure that you stay two-handed and ride him up a little further before you let him turn. If I were to do any exercises with him it would be to make sure he keeps his forward motion in the turns... and that you can do away from the barrels or with only one barrel. Just get him to collect up and stay fluid and round while loping around the barrel (or little barrel circle). Try to keep him moving and fluid for 3 or 4 tiny circles before you let him come out of it. That should help a lot!

Good luck with him, he looks good... and keep us posted!

fabulous2006 - 2015-01-01 3:36 PM

I had a horse that dropped in his turns, I told myself that was just his style / lesson learned never again ...

uno-dos-tres! - 2014-12-31 7:38 PM

I don't mind them dropping out from underneath me to turn if thats their style. Most of the best race horses leaving the gates (QH not TB) will drop hard leaving. Its a very athletic stance for some. What I like to do is keep them as square as possible until the barrel is at the back of my saddle then I pick up my rein and allow for them to come around. This keeps the rib cage stood up and lots of time helps the hindend stay in a deep forward position. Especially on my young just starting horses. The horse and you are looking good and it looks like you have a happy camper coming from the rope box to the pattern. I wish you the best in making him a nice barrel horse.  

sorrel horse ranch - 2015-01-01 2:01 PM

I love your horse...beautiful.  And what a beautiful turning horse.  Love the first barrel especially.  I think you may be over thinking a lot of this.  I was going to suggest stopping him with his butt into the barrel when you get there.  Not a lot but a few times when you work him.  But I really don't see that you have a problem. 

fabulous2006 - 2015-01-01 5:21 PM

I watched your video and it's really hard to see but what I see looks pretty good - just be careful that he doesn't start getting front ended be sure and ride his hind end and keep him up underneath himself ...