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 The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
  
Location: Giddings, TX | Hi BHW!!! Thank you for inviting me to spend some time with you guys answering some of your questions. As always I will hang out as long as I can and answer questions. When life calls I will have to leave but I will try very hard to come back and answer all the questions posted here. Also, please be patient I have both my kids this morning here "helping" me so if the responses are slow you know why......let's begin!!!!
J2
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 936
| I know that you work out a lot and are very dedicated which I really admire. What are your favorite exercises to build your core up so that you can stay centered and ride better? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 590
Location: Austin, Texas, where it can get really weird!! | Jackie i know working out has become a big part of your routine. What do you focus on when your working out and how do you do it on the road. And what part do think weight plays in riding smaller horses (14.2) or smaller, i have a smaller guy and am trying to lose a few to make us a better team.
Thanks for chatting w us. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 590
Location: Austin, Texas, where it can get really weird!! | sourkiss378 - 2015-04-28 8:31 AM
I know that you work out a lot and are very dedicated which I really admire. What are your favorite exercises to build your core up so that you can stay centered and ride better?
Great minds think alike! |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| What is your go to favorite drill for younger horses?
Thanks for spending time with us!! |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| What is your typical exercise routine for a finished horse? |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | sourkiss378 - 2015-04-28 8:31 AM I know that you work out a lot and are very dedicated which I really admire. What are your favorite exercises to build your core up so that you can stay centered and ride better?
I am a firm believer that being fit not only helps your riding but improves your life in so many ways. We follow a very strict routine which includes weight lifting, running, and some total body circuit training. Core strength is one of the key things for us barrel racers to help with stability in the turns and balance. We do a core circuit routine we do which includes planks, russian twists, alternating heel touches, jackknife situps, air bike, 6 inch leg holds, criss crossing leg lifts. Basically core stuff is all pretty simple you just have to do it!!!! But, I also think you have to be strong all over you can't just focus on one area!! Choose a TOTAL BODY program and get started. I am a real big fan of bodybuilding.com they have a lot of free programs that connect to an app on your phone. We have done several different programs and have been pleased with the results!! |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | Thanks for visiting Jackie! Can you tell me what it is that you love about the LHDI horses? I know you have quite a few. |
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 Barrel Horse World News
Posts: 64
| Jackie, hi! Welcome back! And thanks for spending time with us.
For those of you who haven't visited her site go to: http://www.jackiejatzlau.com
ALSO: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.jatzlau?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | kewlcowgurl - 2015-04-28 8:32 AM Jackie i know working out has become a big part of your routine. What do you focus on when your working out and how do you do it on the road. And what part do think weight plays in riding smaller horses (14.2) or smaller, i have a smaller guy and am trying to lose a few to make us a better team. Thanks for chatting w us.
I try to do most of my circuit stuff and running while I am gone away from home and on the road. You can do some really great stuff with your own body weight. I carry a small set of hand weights and that is it. Running bleachers is a great thing that can be done anywhere!!! If you have a will there is always a way!!! I have found it helps me keep my energy up and my riding more focused when I am gone.
Not to be a major bummer but I am a believer that weight does play a factor in the performance of horses. In race horses they 'weight' horses by the handicap. Meaning the best horse carries the most weight. By doing this they try to even out the field. To me this is a very good example of weight making a difference in performance. I train and expect the most of my horses, therefore I think they should expect the most from me. If we are going to be a winning team, everyone needs to be putting max effort in!!! |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | lindseylou2290 - 2015-04-28 8:37 AM What is your go to favorite drill for younger horses?
Thanks for spending time with us!!
I am a big fan of using cones for my drill work. I prefer cones vs barrels as I think it helps a horse stay relaxed and doesn't get the anxiety from using barrels. Nothing super special just lots of exercises that all focus back on fundamentals. Circling cones but staying the same distance from the cone all the way around. I also like to do cone work to focus on my own handwork. Making sure that me and my horse a developing a good, clear cut relationship. For example, everytime I ask for A the reaction is B. Good consistency in both horse and rider is the key to any drill work. I think people get so wrapped up in looking for 'magic drills' that they forget the actual purpose of drills is to build a strong, consistent foundation that you can grow upon and always fall back on. My horses are super duper broke and very very resposnsive to me in every way. That is the ultimate goal!!! |
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 Party Girl
Posts: 12293
Location: Buffalo, Wyoming | What do you do for a horse that gets strung out going into the 2nd and 3rd barrels thus making them leave a little elevated??
Always enjoy getting your feed back! Thanks for joining us! |
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 Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | Are there any specific drills or "secrets" to getting a horse to fire between the barrels? My horse is 13, I raised and trained him, and no matter how agressive I ride or how much smooching I do, he rates way too much for the first barrel, and doesn't fire between the first and second. He is better to the third barrel and home. It is especially bad in indoor or covered arenas. He vets 100% sound and is in excellent condition. He can flat out fly when I breeze him and he LOVES to run, just not to a barrel! Any suggestions? Thanks. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 369
Location: south arkansas | I am interested in the Letta Hank Do It question as well, I just purchased a daughter and really love her attitude and her work ethic. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316
| What are some therapies you use to keep your horse feeling at it's best when you are on the road running alot at the futurities/barrel racings.. Previcox, chirpractor, Ice? |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | stayceem - 2015-04-28 8:38 AM What is your typical exercise routine for a finished horse?
Finished horses can be a little more tricky in day to day routine than a younger horse. At this point they don't need "training" anymore so you have to vary your routine. For these horses fitness is the key. Making sure that your horse is super fit helps prevent injury and helps a horse perform to the best of their ability. You need to really look at your horse and try to decide what will suit them best. Some horses do better by being a little "fresher" so they will do better if you pony them versus riding them. Some horses still do better with saddle time so spending time not only exercising them but doing some trail riding or another discipline really helps them. I always say that older finished horses are very quirky. It is really trial and error to finding what will work best for each individual horse. Having said that. I do still do some barrel work no matter how finished or how old a horse is. This may just consist of walking the barrels and trotting once a week. But, I do think it is important to make sure all your pieces of the pattern are firing on all cylinders |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | Murphy - 2015-04-28 8:44 AM Thanks for visiting Jackie! Can you tell me what it is that you love about the LHDI horses? I know you have quite a few.
It is no secret that LHDI is my favorite bloodline. I have 3 broodmares all 3 are by LDHI so he will continue on in my program for years and years to come. What 1st drew me to Hank is his maternal line. Slash J Harletta (also the mother of Firewater Flit) is the greatest broodmare of all time. I am a firm believer in maternal lines being the strength behind any good horse. I also like the Snazzy Hank on the paternal line. There is enough "cow" in LDHI that they have lots of bone, a great mind and lots of cow to a barrel. They are very sound horses both mentally and physically and have more try and heart as a whole than any other bloodline I have ever rode. They are very light mouthed and are extremely smart in training also things that fit my program perfectly. But, you better show them right the 1st time because they pick up and hold on to everything to teach them!!! I also have put them as the key in my breeding program because they cross very well on a lot of the key stallions in our industry. I have some great crosses on LHDI that I am very excited about in the next few years!!! |
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A Cool Sharp One
| Do you start your 2 yr olds or do you send them off to someone?
Do you wait until they are 3 to actually start them on the barrels |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | UTAHCANCHASER - 2015-04-28 8:53 AM What do you do for a horse that gets strung out going into the 2nd and 3rd barrels thus making them leave a little elevated??
Always enjoy getting your feed back! Thanks for joining us!
Most of the time a horse that gets strung out in a turn and elevates leaving it all has to do with your approach into the turn. I would guess you are giving too big of a pocket. That has a tendency to get a horses hind end disengaged in the turn and makes one get 'strung out.' As you leave a turn a horse will elevate for a couple reasons. Watch some videos and make sure you are not pulling straight back. That is the wrong hand cue. It means stop. To finish a turn you need to be moving your hand out and around the turn and guiding that horses nose around the barrel. Pulling back will cause a horse to elevate their head. The other thing that will cause elevation is if the horse doesn't have his hind quarters up under neath him (as we talked about above). A horse has to push hard on their hind end to accelerate leaving a turn. If they swing their butt in the turn or get strung out and don't have their hind end under them they can not push to accelerate like they need to and will also cause elevation. I would go back and focus on approach into the turn 1st. I am willing to play the odds that that is your problem!!! |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | TBone - 2015-04-28 8:53 AM Are there any specific drills or "secrets" to getting a horse to fire between the barrels? My horse is 13, I raised and trained him, and no matter how agressive I ride or how much smooching I do, he rates way too much for the first barrel, and doesn't fire between the first and second. He is better to the third barrel and home. It is especially bad in indoor or covered arenas. He vets 100% sound and is in excellent condition. He can flat out fly when I breeze him and he LOVES to run, just not to a barrel! Any suggestions? Thanks.
As I said earlier old, seasoned horses become very quirky!!! That sounds like what you have going on. Sometimes doing the opposite helps. For example, take your spurs off. Try not to whip or be overly aggressive with your feet. Go out and breeze him using this method. Just let him run all on his own without being super aggressive to try to make him run. Then, try it in a few runs. Think about just trying to let him do most of it on his own. I think sometimes we get so aggressive that we make a horse mad or irritated and they back off running instead of running harder |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | lizzy - 2015-04-28 8:54 AM I am interested in the Letta Hank Do It question as well, I just purchased a daughter and really love her attitude and her work ethic.
See above answer.....they are very kind, loving horses. Be gentle with your hands and in your training methods. They respond much better to a kind trainer |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074
| What are some good drills for children to improve their horsemanship without too much pattern work for their older seasoned horses? My daughter stepped up to a faster, more powerful horse, and I am interested in a drill that will help her to make a more correct turn without over working the horse. |
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A Cool Sharp One
| How long do you feel it should take a horse to "learn" the pattern and know whether or not you should enter them in a Futurity? |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | Tatum2 - 2015-04-28 8:57 AM What are some therapies you use to keep your horse feeling at it's best when you are on the road running alot at the futurities/barrel racings.. Previcox, chirpractor, Ice?
I have a game ready machine (circulates ice water and uses compression to help healing), I have an Equi Resp machine that I love and have recently added to my program, I have an Equi Sports Messager that I love and helps muscles stay loose while traveling and being stalled. I also wrap legs with Back On Track wraps and use both BOT and PHT magnet blankets. I also haul with Soft Ride Boots. I use a Salt Water Spa when it is available which is usually around once a month. I will also use Cool Green Jelly or a poultice when stalling to help keep legs cool and prevent swelling. I am a big fan of good old fashion linament baths, my horses get them almost daily after a work out. I think keeping a horse sound and feeling tip top is a daily thing and starts with being in top physical condition!!! |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Hi Jackie!!! Thank you so much for coming on here and taking a few questions.
What is your workout program for a horse you consider trained?
How often and how far will you breeze one?
BTW - love following your fb page, pretty good inspiration while I'm at the gym! |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | mattslilwonder - 2015-04-28 9:03 AM Do you start your 2 yr olds or do you send them off to someone?
Do you wait until they are 3 to actually start them on the barrels
I am very slow in starting my colts. Most of them I don't even break until very late in their 2 year old year or very early in their 3 year old year. My Dad always said that horses spend most of their lives in training and being rode. They only have a very short amount of time in the beginning of their lives to grow, mature and just be horses. I take that very seriously. The futurity industry lends itself to starting horses earlier and earlier. I do not get so wrapped up in time schedules that I start my horses too soon! I send my horses off to be broke the first 30-60 days depening on the horse. Stephan Boutin starts my colts and does a jam up job. He gets them really soft and responsive and ready to go into my training program. I never ever start a colt on the barrels until they turn 3 (by birthdate!!!). If they are going to mature enough to make a standout futurity horse they will. If they aren't going to fit that mold that is ok too and I will hold off and wait or sell them to a home that has more time to suit that horse. Every single horse isn't cut out for futurities and that doesn't have any impact on what kind of 10 year old barrel horse they make!! I think that is the key to remember when training is every horse is an individual, you can't make them all train, learn and mature at the same speed |
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 Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975
Location: Sunnyland Florida |
Hi Jackie, and thanks for taking our questions!
1. In your opinion, what is/are the worst conformation faults that will cause you to "pass" on a well-bred prospect?
2. What do you think is the best pad to use under a treeless saddle? (medium-withered horse)
Thanks!
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Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | jackieandrooster - 2015-04-28 9:12 AM TBone - 2015-04-28 8:53 AM Are there any specific drills or "secrets" to getting a horse to fire between the barrels? My horse is 13, I raised and trained him, and no matter how agressive I ride or how much smooching I do, he rates way too much for the first barrel, and doesn't fire between the first and second. He is better to the third barrel and home. It is especially bad in indoor or covered arenas. He vets 100% sound and is in excellent condition. He can flat out fly when I breeze him and he LOVES to run, just not to a barrel! Any suggestions? Thanks. As I said earlier old, seasoned horses become very quirky!!! That sounds like what you have going on. Sometimes doing the opposite helps. For example, take your spurs off. Try not to whip or be overly aggressive with your feet. Go out and breeze him using this method. Just let him run all on his own without being super aggressive to try to make him run. Then, try it in a few runs. Think about just trying to let him do most of it on his own. I think sometimes we get so aggressive that we make a horse mad or irritated and they back off running instead of running harder
 THANK YOU!!!
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | barrelrider - 2015-04-28 9:15 AM What are some good drills for children to improve their horsemanship without too much pattern work for their older seasoned horses? My daughter stepped up to a faster, more powerful horse, and I am interested in a drill that will help her to make a more correct turn without over working the horse.
I really like using cones as I stated in a previous post. This helps the horse not have anxiety and helps the rider be able to focus on correct hand position to help their horse. Circling cones, side passing between cones, figure 8's. All very good exercises to help!!!
Mostly be patient and tell her it takes time and experience to get with a new horse!!!! |
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Expert
Posts: 2457
| jackieandrooster - 2015-04-28 8:52 AM lindseylou2290 - 2015-04-28 8:37 AM What is your go to favorite drill for younger horses?
Thanks for spending time with us!! I am a big fan of using cones for my drill work. I prefer cones vs barrels as I think it helps a horse stay relaxed and doesn't get the anxiety from using barrels. Nothing super special just lots of exercises that all focus back on fundamentals. Circling cones but staying the same distance from the cone all the way around. I also like to do cone work to focus on my own handwork. Making sure that me and my horse a developing a good, clear cut relationship. For example, everytime I ask for A the reaction is B. Good consistency in both horse and rider is the key to any drill work. I think people get so wrapped up in looking for 'magic drills' that they forget the actual purpose of drills is to build a strong, consistent foundation that you can grow upon and always fall back on. My horses are super duper broke and very very resposnsive to me in every way. That is the ultimate goal!!!
Thank you ma'am! |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | mattslilwonder - 2015-04-28 9:17 AM How long do you feel it should take a horse to "learn" the pattern and know whether or not you should enter them in a Futurity?
Every horse learns at a different speed you can't use one mold to train every horse. I use the method of going one speed until they can basically do a perfect pattern without me having to do much of anything to help them. They should totally master a speed and the pattern perfectly before stepping up in speed. I also have more than walk, trot, lope and run in my program as I step them up. This is how I go in progression:
Walk
Trot to the barrel, break down to walk in the turn
Trot
Lope to the barrel, trot in turn
Lope
Fast lope to the barrel, collected slower lope in turn
cruise all the way threw
run to barrel, slow speed around
run
My always making sure that horse understands they can't turn as fast as they run to a turn you keep them collected and rate is natural for them. It helps them hunt the turns and makes my job easier as the rider |
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The Divine Ms.D
Posts: 1335
Location: Giddings, TX | I have to stop at this time, duty calls I have to go pick up a horse. Feel free to continue to post questions. I will come back this afternoon and continue answering. Thanks to all that choose to spend their morning with me.
Go Fast,
J2 |
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 I Want a "MAN"
Posts: 3610
Location: MD | What do you do for horses that are very very broke and touchy but when they run they get strong? This horse will slow work perfect all day long but when you run her she wants to cut the pocket off and slice the barrel there for making her hang up behind. She was trained to go straight to the barrel and pick up right before but I have a very hard time with that. What excercises can I do for myslef and help her make cleaner runs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RAfvBcZyNI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoycFXgOKYQ
Edited by CE's wrapn3 2015-04-28 9:46 AM
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Red Hot Cardinal Fan
Posts: 4122
| What exercises or drills would you recommend for a horse(and definitely rider!) that anticipates the second barrel? She is very ratey, and at times we will either not get far enough past the second and catch the barrel leaving or bow out on the backside of it. During slow work I will occasionally drive her to the fence or do counterarcs to make sure she is listening to me, and I've been trying to push her past the barrel when we run, but we are losing a lot of time there. Any suggestions? |
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 Queen Bee Cat Owner
Posts: 3629
Location: Way up North | Thanks for doing this!
What makes you choose to run in a hack vs. a bit? Is it more horse preference or do you use they to correct or help a certain issue?
How much hauling and exhibitioning do you do with a futurity prospect the year before you plan on entering? Do they need to be exhibtioning a certain amount off the winning times at a certain point for you to think they will make it?
Edited by AllAroundRider 2015-04-28 9:54 AM
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boon
Posts: 2
| How do you know if your horse is ready for the road to futurity? |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25351
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Hi Jackie. What is your opinion on the use of performance enhancing drugs? Do you feel there should be more stringent drug testing, particularly at higher levels? Do you think the label "performance enhancing drugs" needs to be better defined? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 239
| A follow up question to an answer you posted above - on using cones for drills to be able to work on proper hand positioning.
Can you expand more on proper hand positioning? Where do you like to keep your hands in the turn and do you keep your elbows bent throughout?
What is it about the cones that allow you to better work on your hands vs a barrel?
Thank you so much. You are an inspiration to us all!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1162
Location: White Mountains of AZ | What's some of your pre race conditioning/feeding exercises consist of? When do you feel one of your horses is in good enough shape to run? THANK YOU!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 806
Location: Arkansas | What are your "must haves" on a colt before you start them on the barrels?
Are there particular drills that a horse must be able to do prior to starting on the barrels?
What advice do you have for finished horses that have a hard time keeping it together at a race? This horse really works great at home, but once at a race the horse seems to lose focus, doesn't see the first barrel and just wants to run. The horse is very broke, and is also a heel horse that has won some very high dollar ropings so he is used to pressure, loud music, etcs.
Edited by Esther 2015-04-28 11:17 AM
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Red Hot Cardinal Fan
Posts: 4122
| Also a followup question to one of your answers earlier: For your older, finished horses and even younger ones competing, what is your typical conditioning routine? Length of workout, distance, etc. |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Thank you, Jackie, for doing this. I have followed you and cheered you on since the year Oro Leader and Uno Commander were futurity colts and my mom and I had the pleasure of seeing you run them several times that year. :)
My question would be how you got and keep getting your confidence and mental toughness back each year either after either an injury or coming back from having your kids. I know when you were much younger you had a serious horse related injury and I think that is the reason you moved to riding the treeless saddles, but how do you counter the hesitancy and the being overly cautious when you start back riding after a layoff?
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 617
Location: London Ontario | What do you look for when looking at purchasing or taking on a futurity prospect?
How do you put the "trainer" role aside and take on the "competitor" role?
What is your favorite/go-to drill for your horses?
What advice do you have for someone dipping their toes in the futurity world?
What are your warm up routines at barrel races?
Thanks so much for coming by! |
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 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | How do you deal with the "mental game" of being on the road? When you're just not winning a dime and seems like always one hole out of placing. How do you not "throw your sucker in the dirt?" |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | Do you start all your horses both directions and/or switch them for specific reasons? I couldn't remember if King went to the right at BFA and now goes left or if I just imagined that. How do you decide which barrel first? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 596
| Hi Jackie, My daughter wants to attend one of your clinics how do I locate when and where they will be ? |
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Barrel Horse World News
Posts: 64
| Thanks Jackie! We appreciate all the help and advice and I will keep this thread open for now.
Steve |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | jackieandrooster - 2015-04-28 8:25 AM mattslilwonder - 2015-04-28 9:03 AM Do you start your 2 yr olds or do you send them off to someone?
Do you wait until they are 3 to actually start them on the barrels I am very slow in starting my colts. Most of them I don't even break until very late in their 2 year old year or very early in their 3 year old year. My Dad always said that horses spend most of their lives in training and being rode. They only have a very short amount of time in the beginning of their lives to grow, mature and just be horses. I take that very seriously. The futurity industry lends itself to starting horses earlier and earlier. I do not get so wrapped up in time schedules that I start my horses too soon! I send my horses off to be broke the first 30-60 days depening on the horse. Stephan Boutin starts my colts and does a jam up job. He gets them really soft and responsive and ready to go into my training program. I never ever start a colt on the barrels until they turn 3 (by birthdate!!!). If they are going to mature enough to make a standout futurity horse they will. If they aren't going to fit that mold that is ok too and I will hold off and wait or sell them to a home that has more time to suit that horse. Every single horse isn't cut out for futurities and that doesn't have any impact on what kind of 10 year old barrel horse they make!! I think that is the key to remember when training is every horse is an individual, you can't make them all train, learn and mature at the same speed
That response right there just made me respect you so much! |
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Jackie Jatzlau Q&A NOW!!!!