Posted 2017-09-27 11:17 AM Subject: I want to talk about first barrel approach
Expert
Posts: 2685
I switched my mare to the left due to a bad left stifle (that we maintain). Last night was out first time ever going left. She felt amazing. However, it is new to both of us. I had a lefty when I was 10?? But I have not rode a lefty since. We were both weird going to the first.
I know that different horses work differently, and with joint issues, their ways of turning will change to accommodate different things. All of this being said, to the right she was a start in the middle and fade to the barrel being pointed at an angle coming into it. Last night we were an L shape. That's what she fell into and I let her. She turned the barrel well, no prob but I feel like we are covering more ground that way and losing time.
What kinda of different approaches have you guys used/seen work in different horses? Anyone that had a bad hock/stifle and that was the reason for that specific first barrel? Did your horse turn differently when you switched?
Posted 2017-09-27 11:30 AM Subject: RE: I want to talk about first barrel approach
Veteran
Posts: 217
I switched my gelding because of his fusing hock causing him some problems. He's more of a free runner and his hock will be sore turning on bad days so I give him a little more pocket to first. He's acquired a unique style that I haven't figured out how to ride just yet. He'll sort of do a slingshot style turn on the back half but sets in like he'll do the 4x4 style at the beginning. I believe he's accommodating for his body. I'd let her run a couple times and see if she's trying to figure herself out or if it's her new style you can help but I'm not a pro
Posted 2017-09-27 12:53 PM Subject: RE: I want to talk about first barrel approach
Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
In the same boat switching one over to the left! My approach right now is similar to what you’re describing a very sweeping turn from the center probably leaving some time on the table whereas to the right I take a much more direct approach.
If you’re making good runs I say let it be for a little while and see what it develops into. Your eye has to adjust just as much as her body does to the new direction. Time may develop and fix all things, at least that’s what I’m aiming for...
Posted 2017-09-27 1:58 PM Subject: RE: I want to talk about first barrel approach
Expert
Posts: 2685
thanks you guys.
I think with time we will get more comfortable. I know for me it felt foreign to be coming at the barrel that way. Keep me posted on your progress, I would like to see how everyone's horses do lol
Posted 2017-09-27 2:27 PM Subject: RE: I want to talk about first barrel approach
Veteran
Posts: 217
RoaniePonie11 - 2017-09-27 2:58 PM
thanks you guys.
I think with time we will get more comfortable. I know for me it felt foreign to be coming at the barrel that way. Keep me posted on your progress, I would like to see how everyone's horses do lol
I actually ride better that way, which is why I think most of my horses have been lefties. My guy is 10 years old and don't think really worked that much on that side so he gets a tad confused when going faster and then he's like "OH Right!" and he gets straightened out. Keep us posted as well :)
I want to talk about first barrel approach
