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 Go For It!
   
Location: Texas | From our FB page...
The importance of a strong foundation... I get lots of messages and questions from folks wanting to know how to fix this problem or that problem. I can honestly say that almost all problems relate to horses or riders not having a strong foundation. We all know the story of the three little pigs - well what we do with our horses isn't much different than that story. If your house is built with straw or sticks, it may look good for a while, but when the storm comes that house is going to fall apart at the seams. If you will take the extra time and effort to build that house out of bricks, then you can weather those storms without everything falling apart. I have learned in my life that good things take time. If you will be patient and allow for that extra time and effort then you will have a horse that withstands the tests of time. If a problem does arise, you will be able to fix it quickly and efficiently. If you aren't sure how those bricks go together, then find someone qualified and really good at what they do, to help you. Have a blessed day everyone!
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
 
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | This cannot be said enough times.  |
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Veteran
Posts: 147
| Problem is the majority don't know what a good foundation really is ... |
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Go For It!
Location: Texas | fabulous2006 - 2015-01-28 11:28 AM
Problem is the majority don't know what a good foundation really is ...
You are absolutely right. Unfortunately, as barrel racers, we race against the clock and are never "judged" on our abilities or on our horses' ability. I think that sometimes makes us a little lazy. Barrel racing is an easy sport to get into. You can do it no matter what level you ride at or what level your horse is at. You just pay your fees and run.
If you have never ridden a well taught horse that is soft and responsive, then how can you know what it feels like? If you don't know what it feels like, then how can you duplicate it in your own riding or on your own horse. Having a good coach makes a WORLD of difference. The problem is finding that good coach. But if you find one, it can change your entire program for the better.
I ride every horse at my clinics... There are two reasons for that... 1) I want to see what the horse feels like so I know what he needs and 2) To show the rider that the horse is capable of doing it if cued correctly. It eliminates all the excuses, lol. And I generally let everyone ride one of my horses so that they can feel what it's suppose to feel like.
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Veteran
Posts: 147
| I found a trainer who did the same for me and now all my horses are soft supple and collected. As in true collection and not a false head set. |
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  Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | fabulous2006 - 2015-01-28 11:28 AM Problem is the majority don't know what a good foundation really is ...
So true. I think it's because a foundation is not required to get a horse around a can fast. In other disciplines that are judged they have to have a foundation or they don't do well-- for the most part.
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I send all mine out for tuning when needed. I know I don't know how so I am more than willing to pay to get it done right. Sending mine to Jan has always been the best money I have spent. |
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Veteran
Posts: 147
| Fairweather - 2015-01-28 3:48 PM
fabulous2006 - 2015-01-28 11:28 AM Problem is the majority don't know what a good foundation really is ...
So true. I think it's because a foundation is not required to get a horse around a can fast. In other disciplines that are judged they have to have a foundation or they don't do well-- for the most part.
But I think a strong foundation is key to getting around a barrel quickly unless you get that one in a million. |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | grinandbareit - 2015-01-28 12:56 PM fabulous2006 - 2015-01-28 11:28 AM Problem is the majority don't know what a good foundation really is ... You are absolutely right. Unfortunately, as barrel racers, we race against the clock and are never "judged" on our abilities or on our horses' ability. I think that sometimes makes us a little lazy. Barrel racing is an easy sport to get into. You can do it no matter what level you ride at or what level your horse is at. You just pay your fees and run. If you have never ridden a well taught horse that is soft and responsive, then how can you know what it feels like? If you don't know what it feels like, then how can you duplicate it in your own riding or on your own horse. Having a good coach makes a WORLD of difference. The problem is finding that good coach. But if you find one, it can change your entire program for the better. I ride every horse at my clinics... There are two reasons for that... 1 ) I want to see what the horse feels like so I know what he needs and 2 ) To show the rider that the horse is capable of doing it if cued correctly. It eliminates all the excuses, lol. And I generally let everyone ride one of my horses so that they can feel what it's suppose to feel like.
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Blessed 
Location: Here | grinandbareit - 2015-01-28 10:59 AM From our FB page... The importance of a strong foundation... I get lots of messages and questions from folks wanting to know how to fix this problem or that problem. I can honestly say that almost all problems relate to horses or riders not having a strong foundation. We all know the story of the three little pigs - well what we do with our horses isn't much different than that story. If your house is built with straw or sticks, it may look good for a while, but when the storm comes that house is going to fall apart at the seams. If you will take the extra time and effort to build that house out of bricks, then you can weather those storms without everything falling apart. I have learned in my life that good things take time. If you will be patient and allow for that extra time and effort then you will have a horse that withstands the tests of time. If a problem does arise, you will be able to fix it quickly and efficiently. If you aren't sure how those bricks go together, then find someone qualified and really good at what they do, to help you. Have a blessed day everyone!
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Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | A good foundation also is Mental to.. if you are working on a good foundation then horses have time to relax and feel confident in theirself.. if rushed to fast and pushed then mentally they cant handle it.. and if owners Over stress the horse mentally cant handle it either..(ulcers and frazzled ) remember owners energy reflects on the horses.... slow over thinking down and perfection because it will go to the horses Insecurity and cause issues..mistakes are ok.. horse and rider.. |
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 Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | And all the Lord's people said......AMEN! The first thing people say when they come to try a horse that i've trained is wow, when I wiggle my pinky finger it means something. YES!!!!! And if you put your calf against them it means something as well. Through the years as i've sold horses that have gone through my program I have had some people come to try them and it was a train wreck because they weren't educated enough to understand that every movement they make means something. I have been priveleged to ride some horses for Canchasr1 and start them on the barrels for her and I can absolutely say those horses had the best foundation on them and made my job so easy!!!!! It does make a huge difference!!!! |
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The importance of a strong foundation...