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 Veteran
Posts: 134
 
| I owe two horses. I have been riding my gelding for almost 4 years. He is extrememly lazy and I have stuggled getting him to run all the way into the pocket. Part is my "giving up" a little since it is a lot of work but I know i am not pushing him hard enough so he doesnt. 
I just bought a new mare that has tons of grit but I am waltching my habit continue and i dont want to undo what she has. I was hoping she would help me figure out how to get him to "fire" but my style may work the opposite. She will run all the way in but i am not riding her there. Does anyone know of good exercises from me to learn how to push all the way into the pocket? I dont want to spend tons of time on the pattern and am looking for ways to teach myself to drive all the way.... Thanks! |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| Get into the habit of looking at the fence, or even a point past the fence. If your face is up, your body is pointed in the right direction. If you are looking at the barrel or your pocket, you'll automatically shut down before you get there. |
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| I have one of those horses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6sESBW1yZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54C73Ote7Ig
The best thing I can do to help myself get across the pen and drive up to the barrel is what Nateracer said, find a spot on the wall/fence (I usually look for banners) and push yourself to it. My horse isn't going to run by a barrel, so this works best for me. I make a habit to walk around the arena before I run and find what item I am going to pick out and look for during my run.
When you want to quit riding, force yourself to go one more stride before you sit down and get ready for the turn. You're going to have to retrain your muscle memory. |
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Veteran
Posts: 134
| that is great advice - i notice in almost all of my pictures, i am looking down at the barrel or shoulder.....i will use this!!! YEAH! |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | when at home put a marker where you want to ride to. a piece of plastic cup or something!
you can do start telling you self you got this you can do it! Its all about positive thinking! sure you'll make a mistake here and there but look at the things you did great! It will come together.......re-label your riding!!! |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | Nateracer - 2015-01-20 11:31 AM
Get into the habit of looking at the fence, or even a point past the fence. If your face is up, your body is pointed in the right direction. If you are looking at the barrel or your pocket, you'll automatically shut down before you get there.
Couldn't agree more as I have a mare like that...the best thing that has worked for me is look beyond where you want to go. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074
| Kick until your leg is past the barrel, then start your turn. When your running and you think you are ready to start the turn, kick one more step. I visualize a lot at a walk and trot. When I'm headed down the alley, I look at the spot where I want to start the turn. I focus on kicking all the way to that spot. |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Stop thinking that your horse's head and shoulder are the most important part of the horse in the barrel turn. They're not. You need the hip to get to the backside of the barrel turn to keep your power, avoid shouldering, avoid front endy type action. If you picture yourself shoving that hip all the way to the area between the fence and barrel, about 3 foot away from the barrel, over and over and over, practice this at a walk and trot often, and really practice it during your runs, you'll have an easier time of it. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | All of the above is great advice.
Also, get a loud friend.
If that doesn't work, you can send him to me. I love a push style horse! |
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  A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | Thank you for posting this!
I have a SUPER ratey horse and I have trouble remembering to stay UP and forward until the last possible minute. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 656
| Thanks, I needed this also |
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 I too, shall remain nameless!
Posts: 2248
Location: Wearing a winter coat...... | classicpotatochip - 2015-01-20 3:05 PM
Stop thinking that your horse's head and shoulder are the most important part of the horse in the barrel turn. They're not. You need the hip to get to the backside of the barrel turn to keep your power, avoid shouldering, avoid front endy type action. If you picture yourself shoving that hip all the way to the area between the fence and barrel, about 3 foot away from the barrel, over and over and over, practice this at a walk and trot often, and really practice it during your runs, you'll have an easier time of it.
This.....exactly what I said!! Hips! Everyone talks about shoulders but no hip- no need to worry about a shoulder. |
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Riding all the way into the pocket