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 Member
Posts: 8
| My mare has a tendency die behind the first barrel, as well as to not lock onto it... unless I let her head directly to it. It's like she gets lost and doesn't realise she's supposed to turn yet, because she's headed to a point 4-5 feet to the side of the barrel. If I trot her through and let her pick her own spots, she heads straight up to the barrel and sucks around it without breaking stride. My aunt who used to pro rodeo says I'm giving her too much room when I run her. My mom says I'm not giving her enough. I'd love to hear anyone's suggestions as to how I can get her more focused on her first, as well as if there's anything I can do to keep her from slowing down on the backside. It's really costing us time. Thanks in advance. | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
  
| It’s great to have a finished horse who is an automatic ride, but until they gain confidence and get to that point (and some never do), we have to ride them to where we want them to turn. Many only need helped to the 1st barrel - after that one the pattern always looks the same after all.
What I’m saying is - you need to be deliberate and ride her to where you want to turn. Look at your spot and ride to it. It may take some experimenting to figure out where that spot is, and over time you’ll learn how to adjust it to different arenas.
Dying on the backside IMO is generally not enough room, too tight for the stride. Or her feet stop moving because you stop hustling.
Video would be helpful if you have it | |
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Member
Posts: 8
| I don't know how to put video here, sorry... But after reviewing videos I do have, I think I'm holding her too long and she's slowing down because I'm effectively halting her forward motion. I'll have to work on that the next time I get to go to an arena and work her.
Thank you for your opinion!
While I'm here. In a run (and only in a run) she runs to the first in the wrong lead, even if I get the correct lead in the alley. She never turns in the wrong lead, and she picks up both leads when I'm just riding or slow working her. I'm not sure what to do about this, or even if I should nitpick it with her switching for the turn. | |
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Straight Approach to First Barrel