Posted 2016-06-07 11:07 AM Subject: Blowing by first barrel...help
Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Okay, so my little mare seems to keep going back to old habits. We'll have several runs where I'll run her to first, check her a couple strides out, drop my hand and she comes around. THEN, she'll go back to old ways where I'll check her a couple strides out, drop my hand and she keep on going by...several strides passed the barrel. I don't have any problems at second and third.
She's a small mare, only 14'2 so we make up a lot of what we lack in speed...in the efficiency of our turns...so the first barrel is key, obviously. I currently run her in a chain mouth sweet 6. Maybe I need more whoa at first? I've been doing slow work, trotting and loping into first then back her up and going on.
Any other advice or suggestions would be appreciated!
Posted 2016-06-07 11:16 AM Subject: RE: Blowing by first barrel...help
Expert
Posts: 2128
I had the same problem and a very sucessful barrel racer/trainer in my area told me to: "Put a bigger roping bit on him with long shanks and make him drag his butt to a stop and back up at the first. Do this several times so he knows to WOAH" She also suggested that I exibition him in the roping bit (stop and back up at the first) then switch to my normal bit to run in (either a pozzi lifter or a short shank chain mouth piece). Best of luck.
Posted 2016-06-07 11:31 AM Subject: RE: Blowing by first barrel...help
Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
scwebster - 2016-06-07 11:16 AM
I had the same problem and a very sucessful barrel racer/trainer in my area told me to: "Put a bigger roping bit on him with long shanks and make him drag his butt to a stop and back up at the first. Do this several times so he knows to WOAH" She also suggested that I exibition him in the roping bit (stop and back up at the first) then switch to my normal bit to run in (either a pozzi lifter or a short shank chain mouth piece). Best of luck.
That's what I just started doing...and I am using a Jr cowhorse bit to work her in. Sounds like I am on the right track...although I may have to raid dad's bit collection!
Posted 2016-06-07 3:49 PM Subject: RE: Blowing by first barrel...help
Elite Veteran
Posts: 716 Location: who knows?
I just asked one of our very respected trainers the same kind of question....I have a free runner that is really pushing on the bit hard and not rating the barrels...he is putting his nose in the air and pushing hard. She told me to bit him up and work him in the round pen....so we are headed to the round pen!!!
Blowing by first barrel...help
