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  Potato Soup Queen
  
Location: Alabama | Please post your questions here and enjoy! |
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 I'm Really Boring
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 No Fear
Posts: 5089
Location: TN | Awesome!! |
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 Zookeeper
Posts: 4977
Location: Kress, Texas | Have my question ready!!!! |
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 Leggs
Posts: 4680
Location: lexington KY | I have my question ready as well! |
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 Buttered Noodles Snacker
Posts: 4377
Location: NC | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 912
Location: Alabama | Wahoo! Awesome! Love the one smooth motion video snippits on youtube! I'm saving to buy the full set! |
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 ND Sweetheart
Posts: 3471
Location: In My Own Dream Land | Not sure if I will be able to be on here when she is, so I am hoping I can post my question already..
Dena, I love your training style. My question is, what do you expect from your colts before they see barrels? Also, when training a futurity horse, How much time off do you usually give them? I'm sending one away next spring as a 3 yr old, and am curious if he will be ready for the 5 yr old futurities..
Thank you~~ |
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Leggs
Posts: 4680
Location: lexington KY | Do we post our questions here or will there be a specific thread for it? |
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Location: Lexington, Ky | Hi Dena, My question is this. I have a great horse that has a great pattern on him but for some reason I am having a hard time getting him to RUN. This horse can fly but I think we went slowfor too long and I am afraid that he isn't understanding to RUN! HA! Any suggestions on how to get this horse running in to pen and through the barrels. I have breezed him in a field and he has no issue running out in the open, but doesn't seem to make that connection in the arena. He is a very ratey horse and is currently running a second off and I know I can get more. Any tips?? |
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Leggs
Posts: 4680
Location: lexington KY | Dena,
I need some advice on how to work a horse that has a very sensitive mouth. My younger horse is sooo sensitive but VERY broke. He is just very sensitive to the mouth, so you have to ride him with all feet, if you sit, he will put his butt in the dirt, he has an amazing handle on him. Will pick his shoulder up perfect and just moves great off leg pressure, which is where I need help. On the pattern if you try to help him at all with your hands, he gets really aggravated and doesnt want you to touch his face. So how do I sucessfully ride him, any suggestions on how to maybe be able to help him with my hands, or suggestions on how to remember to ride with just my feet. He can smoke a barrel but doesnt want you to touch his face.
He has had his teeth done, he isnt in pain, he just is a very sensitive horse, and doesnt like any bit with a shank either or curb chain.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
Thanks!
Edited by polorunner 2011-10-26 11:12 AM
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 "Sweetheart of the Rodeo"
Location: Montana | I won't be here tomorrow so if it's okay, I'll post my question now. I have a four year old that is going really nice on the barrels and is insanely smart. I haven't nessarily had a problem, but I can feel him on the third barrel not "pulling" with his shoulder. He will drive in hard into the barrel and I can feel him put his inside hind leg up under him but them he kinda wants to make that rollback move and hasn't gotten all the way around it to make it work. I can't really explain it the best but the best way I can put it is that I feel like he is not free with his front and striding around it. He is keeping his face soft but I feel the braceiness in his shoulder and quite possibly into his rib cage (at one spot). Any ideas to get him to keep moving? I'm currently working him in a smooth o ring snaffle. Thank you very much for your time! |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | ill be working so I will post now...First off, I just wanted to say I love Lucy!!! She is the best horse I've ever swung a leg over! After we won hempstead I faxed in my application for my rookie card. 2012 should be great! The only issue I find myself having with her is I've been getting too tight on my left turns...just barely catching the second and at the third we will go by sometimes. What drills can I do to put her back in the right place? |
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 Expert
Posts: 2605
| Hello! Ditto to working tomorrow so here goes. I have a very on the muscle/hot/free running cutting reject (5yrs old) that i'm patterning. Rate is a problem for us because he really wants to get ahead of himself although he is getting better. I've been doing alot of stopping/backing at the rate point and lots of trotting/loping circles around the barrel until it's perfect and relaxed (as he can be) before going to the next barrel. I currently ride in a twisted Jr. cowhorse. Draw bits do NOT work for him and he really wants to brace too much on anything with a noseband. His pattern is very nice/correct i just would like it better if i could get him wanting to rate better on his own.
Questions:
Do you have other bit choices similar to what i'm using that have worked better for you on this type horse?
What other exercises can i do on/off pattern to really get him wanting to rate on his own?
Thank you! |
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Veteran
Posts: 110
| Man would I love to spend the day with you :) You are so awesome! My question is: i have a horse that I have been having the same issue for a year now. I have tryed tons of different bits, has been vet checked more than once and always shows nothing wrong, checked saddle fit, etc etc etc. I have even tryed to let other people ride him incase it was me. He usually does good when we are not on the clock but you never know when he is going to do it , but mostly does it on in competetion.... its like he comits to turn the first barrel and then stiffs me and turns his head the opposite direction and pulls away from me. The other two barrels are incredible. I'm at my wits end because he is such an awsome horse other then this one issue. I have thought about turning him out for several months and not riding him, do I keep on going with him and hopefully he will stop doing it one day? Any suggestions or comments will be most greatful. Thanks  |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11213
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I have been watching your training DVD's and they have helped a lot. I have a 4yr old that I want to futurity next fall, he is doing nearly everything right and all his excersizes off the pattern are perfect. Except when he goes into his turn on the 2nd barrel, he seems to drift out and he isn't getting his hip under for the turn. The best way to explain is he starts out going into it just right and when I pick up to ask for the rate, he keeps his shoulders in proper place but his hip moves out instead of in and under him. He isn't doing this on the 3rd (we go to the right barrel first).
What are some things I can do to correct this on and off the pattern? I have slowed him back to a trot and when I feel him drift with his hip, I stop, realign him correctly and finish the turn at a trot. Thank you |
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Expert
Posts: 1690
| Strategically place your tires- like the Josey taught! |
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 Double Trouble
Posts: 5242
Location: Whosuredaddy... | Hi Dena,
I’ve been watching your DVD’s and seem to have your dry work and barrel positioning down pat in my slow work. I have been having an issue with getting my horse to actually settle into the stop. He tends to want to stop abruptly and not really gather up his hind end as much as I think he should and melt into it. I feel this is showing in his barrel pattern as well. He works perfectly, hip in, shoulder up, inside leg under him during slow work, but when sped up to a lope/run he has a tendency to start the turn too soon and peg on his front end, which in turn bounces me up. I do know that I can work harder to hustle him more up into his turn, but the bouncy turn makes it harder for me to recover and be with him to ask him harder as well.
Any tips for getting one to settle or melt into the stop? Also exercises to keep the ratey horse moving forward up into the turn and not setting up too soon?
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! |
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 Dr. Ruth
Posts: 9891
Location: Blissfully happy Giants fan!!! | Dena-I may not be on while you are here either.
1) I have a TB that is built and looks like a QH (she is not even 15.1). I really worked a lot of slow work on her and she turned out really nice. But I think I did too much slow work. Speed is not on her mind anymore. Which is fine because I know it is there. How would you suggest getting her to get back to being fast without losing her mind?
2) What are the signs you look for in a horse to know if they are going to be ratey or a free runner? |
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 Expert
Posts: 1717
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia | I also will not be able to be online.
Good Morning Dena,
My fiance and I have been watching your DVD set and love it. My question is what would I have to do to try to get one of your clinics set up here on the east coast, preferablly here in VA or NC. I know of several people that would attend the clinic but we dont usually have to many here on the east coast. Not just your clinics but clinics in general are very few and far in between here. There are several people that I know of here on the East Coast that love your way of training. Anyway information about getting a clinic set up would be great even if its that you dont travel out here. If you dont want to post on here or if you could please contact me at a later date if its better for you then my email is dcr31686@yahoo.com or phone at 757-477-2338. I will be more then willing to cordinate and set this up if possible. Thanks
Donald C. Roberts III
Edited by dcr31686 2011-10-26 8:09 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 697
Location: NC | dcr31686 - 2011-10-26 5:48 PM I also will not be able to be online. Good Morning Dena, My fiance and I have been watching your DVD set and love it. My question is what would I have to do to try to get one of your clinics set up here on the east coast, preferablly here in VA or NC. I know of several people that would attend the clinic but we dont usually have to many here on the east coast. Not just your clinics but clinics in general are very few and far in between here. There are several people that I know of here on the East Coast that love your way of training. Anyway information about getting a clinic set up would be great even if its that you dont travel out here. If you dont want to post on here or if you could please contact me at a later date if its better for you then my email is dcr31686@yahoo.com or phone at 757-477-2338. Thanks Donald C. Roberts III
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 461
| polorunner - 2011-10-26 10:08 AM
Dena,
I need some advice on how to work a horse that has a very sensitive mouth. My younger horse is sooo sensitive but VERY broke. He is just very sensitive to the mouth, so you have to ride him with all feet, if you sit, he will put his butt in the dirt, he has an amazing handle on him. Will pick his shoulder up perfect and just moves great off leg pressure, which is where I need help. On the pattern if you try to help him at all with your hands, he gets really aggravated and doesnt want you to touch his face. So how do I sucessfully ride him, any suggestions on how to maybe be able to help him with my hands, or suggestions on how to remember to ride with just my feet. He can smoke a barrel but doesnt want you to touch his face.
He has had his teeth done, he isnt in pain, he just is a very sensitive horse, and doesnt like any bit with a shank either or curb chain.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
Thanks!
Polorunner and Poloracer I feel both your pain!! My gelding is super super ratey, doesn't think he can run (he can) and is super sensitive with his face but broke broke broke off your leg! Talk about frustrating sometimes! I'm really curious to see what Dena has to say! |
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Regular
Posts: 77
| If a horse suddenly becomes more difficult about picking up their right lead, what would you look at first? |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8552
Location: sunny california | Dena,
I will be working in the morning so here goes! thanks for coming on. Your videos are awesome. i have a gelding that can't make up his mind. one day he is a free runner and the next he is super ratey. geeze never had that problem before. he is young and this is his first serious year barrel racing. He is very well broke with a reiner handle. One problem is he will overturn and stare down the barrel...ooops... he then has to wiggle his rear not to knock it over so he is not in that great of a position for second.Thanks I appreciate any insight.
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 Queen Bee Cat Owner
Posts: 3629
Location: Way up North | Love your videos! Any tips for a horse that anticipates the second barrel? Sometimes she will start dropping in well before her rate point even and try to go right through the barrel. If I am lucky enough to get her past it when she trys that she gets really far behind the backside of the barrel and then has to rollback to head to third. She is grat in practice but when doing a real run its hit or miss.
Also, what size gullet do you find fits the most of your horses? |
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 Lighten Up People!
Posts: 1508
| Hi, Dena!
I love your videos! I have a 5 year old that I broke out as a 4 year old. She worked great until she had a growth spurt in December. My saddle started pinching her, so I had to have a new saddle made for her. The only thing she did to let me know something was wrong was to start blowing out on her left hand turns. The new saddle fixed the physical problem with her left turns, but she would continue to panic and blow her left turns. I switched her to taking the left turn first so I could change that mental aproach to the left. She has taken to the left pattern and is getting more and more confident. The problem is that she is trying to go too fast at the shows. She will sometimes panic going too fast and not turn a good turn. She is panicing and making huge looping turns. I work her in a draw gag with no problems, but at a show, she will panic and forget her whoa. I am intending on running her at a cruising speed until she is back working good at the shows, but she wants to really run. Right now, she is making 2 out of 3 good turns and still clocking in the 4D. If she turns, they are awsome with excelleration all the way around.
Do you have any suggestions on what to do to help her settle at the show? She is level headed and calm in warm up. Slow at home or away without a show, she tries to turn too early. I just keep waiting for her to put it together, but maybe you have something that will help me help her? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 555
Location: Puky midwest | What bit do you go to when your horse knows the basics and is ready to go faster than a high lope? He does keep his shoulders up. He is a little strong, and needs to keep his rear end underneath him and stay collected in the turn a little more. I always go back to slower work. Thank you
Edited by sliddenaround 2011-10-26 8:28 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 989
| Hi Dena,
Thank you for coming on and answering questions for us!!
I have a 10 yr old gelding that is 1/2 second off of the top horses at finals.. (Julie Leggett) If I dont push him to run and do the pattern at an ok fast gallop (with alot more to give) My barrels are smooth and the whole pattern is smooth... that gives us a 16.7 with the top time being 16.3 in that arena.
If I ride harder, and push him between his barrels our barrels get rockier and our time stays the same.... so, I am loosing time in the run, or I am loosing time around the barrels.
This is only his 3rd year on the pattern, and he has sooo much more to give and improve upon. What exercises can I work on to get him to run in between, but smooth around the barrels. I can have a perfect practise run at home so it is hard to improve in training.. but at our races.. it just doesnt seem to flow?!
Thank you |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 481
Location: SD | Hi, Dena, I really respect your training style. My question would be what or how do you handle a horse that refuses to go in the gate? Thanks so much! |
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 The Brave One
Posts: 20550
Location: snowbelt, WA | Hi Dena thanks for answering our questions!
What would you do with a horse that has picked one barrel to not want to turn? Doesn't matter if it is the first barrel or the second the horse does that exact same thing going to the left or right first. Doesn't do it going to the same direction if on another barrel. What excercises/tuning would you do with them?  |
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 Regular
Posts: 99
Location: New Mexico | Dena,
I know you were asked this already, but I wanted to let you know how so many of us are looking for your clinics, do you think you may do a few in 2012? Maybe in the Southwest area? We would LOVE to attend one!
Thanks
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | Dena I will be at work as well- Love your DVD set- I rented and watched and it is now on my Christmas list! But I can't remember if you covered a topic.
Preparing a horse for the pattern. I've got a 4 year old that I want to start slow and right! She was broke at two and it appears to have been done right. She was put on a back burner and ridden only about 5 times her 3 year old year due to the owners serious injury. She just turned 4 this month and I've had her 2 months now. She knows the basics, but still rusty on her steering-fading out in some of her large circle loping (D ring smooth snaffle at the moment). How long would you work off the pattern before introducing her or what goals do you have for your horse before introducing the pattern. Any specific exercises to prepare for a pattern. This is my first time teaching a young horse a pattern and my 7 year old was well broke when I started him. I believe you covered some of this info on disc 1 and 2. Greatly appreciate your time on barrelhorseworld!
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Expert
Posts: 1214
| Dena, Do you ever do private lessons at your house? Like a 2 day private clinic? Just one on one? If so, what do you charge for that? Also, what do you do when a horse begins to start dropping their shoulder at the barrels? Thanks! |
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Expert
Posts: 1717
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia | I take it its not eastern time, what time zone yall in? |
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Zookeeper
Posts: 4977
Location: Kress, Texas | dcr31686 - 2011-10-27 9:29 AM I take it its not eastern time, what time zone yall in?
It will be central time. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1087
Location: Midland, MI | Dena,
I have started my young horse on the pattern. She's doing very well in her turns. How do I work on speed between the barrels?
Sometimes she slows down too soon for some of the turns, and I keep kicking, smooching and pushing her, but she still does it. How do I get her to listen to me? It's only at shows. |
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Expert
Posts: 1717
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia | Moonchaser - 2011-10-27 9:35 AM
dcr31686 - 2011-10-27 9:29 AM I take it its not eastern time, what time zone yall in?
It will be central time.
Thank you!! |
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Buttered Noodles Snacker
Posts: 4377
Location: NC |
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 BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | Roo - 2011-10-26 7:07 PM polorunner - 2011-10-26 10:08 AM Dena,
I need some advice on how to work a horse that has a very sensitive mouth. My younger horse is sooo sensitive but VERY broke. He is just very sensitive to the mouth, so you have to ride him with all feet, if you sit, he will put his butt in the dirt, he has an amazing handle on him. Will pick his shoulder up perfect and just moves great off leg pressure, which is where I need help. On the pattern if you try to help him at all with your hands, he gets really aggravated and doesnt want you to touch his face. So how do I sucessfully ride him, any suggestions on how to maybe be able to help him with my hands, or suggestions on how to remember to ride with just my feet. He can smoke a barrel but doesnt want you to touch his face.
He has had his teeth done, he isnt in pain, he just is a very sensitive horse, and doesnt like any bit with a shank either or curb chain.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
Have you tried a hackamore of some kind? If you haven't, I would try that. Also, sometimes a combination bit will help to desensitize because it is touching in two different pressure points. Be sure to get smooth mouth piece and short shank. There are some kinds that can be used without curbs. It is also important to do dry work in the bits you are trying on him. Work on comunicating with him in every way,
away from the barrels, until you and he figure it out. Then go back to the pattern.
Thanks! Polorunner and Poloracer I feel both your pain!! My gelding is super super ratey, doesn't think he can run (he can ) and is super sensitive with his face but broke broke broke off your leg! Talk about frustrating sometimes! I'm really curious to see what Dena has to say!
Have you tried a hackamore of some kind? Also, sometimes a combination bit will help to desensitize because it is touching in two different pressure points. Be sure to get smooth mouth piece and short shank. There are som kinds that can be used without curbs. It is also important to do dry work in the bits you are trying on him. Work on communicating with him in every way, away from the barrels, until you and he figure it out. Then go back to the pattern. Hope this helps. |
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| Hi Dena, This is Precious breeder. I just wanted to Thank You for doing your One Smooth Motion dvd. It has helped me so much with not only working with my horse's, but understanding them better also. I have much respect for your methods and my 2 girls are running better since I have started focasing on their body position at the barrel with my slow work.Hope all is well with you & give Precious a BIG hug & kiss from me. It was wonderfull seeing her on your dvd. WE are so proud. |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | concho - 2011-10-26 7:15 PM If a horse suddenly becomes more difficult about picking up their right lead, what would you look at first?
Really young horses (2 or 3), sometimes just wake up in a new world and need more help. If the horse is older, I would definitely go to the vet. Sudden behaviour changes are definitely red flags and often are signs that the horse is having pain somewhere. |
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Tell It Like It Is
Posts: 22025
Location: Wyoming | Hi Dena,
Thank you for visiting with us today. I love your DVD's
I am having some trouble with 1st. I can see what I don't like but am not sure how to fix it. Maybe I am not letting him get past the barrel far enough?
Would you mind taking a look at this video if you have time? Sorry about the quality, but its all I have that is recent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU5MFQHqKNM&feature=youtu.be
Thanks,
Jeri.
edited to add: That this is a young horse that I have only been running for a year.
Edited by realitycheck 2011-10-27 10:24 AM
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| There are many different opinions on futurity horses and their futures. Many feel that very few futurity horses go on to become open/rodeo horses, as they were run at a young age. Some feel that they will not last as long physically or mentally. Personally, I don't feel that statistics support any of these opinions, but what is your opinion? |
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 Peecans
| Hello.
My question is about pepearing a colt for furturities. I have a two year old colt that im really excited about and wanted to futuritie myself i have trained my rodeo horses but that was not on a timeline as i just started to go when they were ready. My question is, what time line do you like to try and fllow. I know every horse is diffrent but when i worked in the cutting barn there was a definite secdule some horses were faster some slower but at the end of the day they had to be ready to show on such and such a date. My colt is started really nicley. soft in the face and ribs knows his leads ext. He will be used all winter checking the feed lot and in the spring to calve the cows by my husband to get him more broke.
Im not expecting to win with him but i want the chalange of having him ready to run. Up here all the futurities are for 4/5. So thats 2-3 years away. any insite on your time line would be great, i hope i explained my self well.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
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 Dust Bunny
Posts: 6541
Location: Colorado | Hello,
If you have a horse that runs in a draw bit and a tie down, what bit would suggestion for dry work? I am primarily concerned about keeping her light, and flexing. The tie down seems to stiffen her up a bit, but she is a horse that truly requires it for balance.
Thank you! |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | tThompson - 2011-10-26 10:40 AM Not sure if I will be able to be on here when she is, so I am hoping I can post my question already..
Dena, I love your training style. My question is, what do you expect from your colts before they see barrels? Also, when training a futurity horse, How much time off do you usually give them? I'm sending one away next spring as a 3 yr old, and am curious if he will be ready for the 5 yr old futurities..
Thank you~~
Thanks so much! :)
I like for my colts to be able to frame up really well, be light in their face, and be laterally flexible before I start them on barrels. I do keep in mind that they are young and that these skills will improve with age and strength, so it's a building process. These particular skills will make it possible for me to position their bodies so that the turns are comfortable and smooth. As far as time off... I let my horses tell me when they need a break. If I detect stress, I will give a few days off. I try to be really intuitive so I will notice even the smallest signs of stress. This way a few days is all they need to recover, and hopefully any serious problems can be avoided. You should have time to get him ready for the 5 yr old futurities. |
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 Member
Posts: 37
Location: South Dakota | Hi Dena, I have a horse that runs very chargy and wont rate... He is very calm outside of the arena but when he gets in he thinks he needs to fly and than wont rate at the barrels. He is big and strong and has a lot of power and ive just ran out of suggestions... he can basically run through any bit. Any suggestions? Thanks. |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | graciemay - 2011-10-27 10:30 AM Hello,
If you have a horse that runs in a draw bit and a tie down, what bit would suggestion for dry work? I am primarily concerned about keeping her light, and flexing. The tie down seems to stiffen her up a bit, but she is a horse that truly requires it for balance.
Thank you!
I use a Loomis gag exclusively, when I need a draw bit. To keep her light and flexible, you could use a ring snaffle and no tie-down. A snaffle is direct contact with the corners, which makes it a good bit to use to lighten up a horse's mouth. And not using the tie-down for dry work will help you to keep her flexible. |
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 I'll Eat Anything
Posts: 7680
Location: Texas | I hope I'm not to late for this, but....
What is the one bit you would never use/least favorite?
Thanks for visiting us!
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Veteran
Posts: 221
Location: Canada | Hey Dena
What exercises do you do to get a horse more handy with themselves? And what can a person do to free a horse up between the barrels? I have a mare that is broke to death but craves the turn, she will run in as hard as she can into first but after that she slows right down to almost a fast lope, I have sprinted her out in the fields and its not a problem there, I also dont like to be an aggressive rider in the pattern so if there is any way to teach them to do it on their own? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1114
Location: CA | What do you think a bonnet tie down is best used for, what type of horse? Meaning what kind of horse would you put it on, or do you ever use one? Also, would you use a nylon one or rope one? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1114
Location: CA | Do you have any plans for upcoming clinics in Colorado? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303
| Hi Dena - I am very interested in getting involved in the the futurities and assuming that my prospect is ready to go, which futurities in the Oklahoma area would you recommend as a good starting place? |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | barrelracer7712 - 2011-10-27 10:37 AM Hi Dena, I have a horse that runs very chargy and wont rate... He is very calm outside of the arena but when he gets in he thinks he needs to fly and than wont rate at the barrels. He is big and strong and has a lot of power and ive just ran out of suggestions... he can basically run through any bit. Any suggestions? Thanks.
It sounds like you are letting him make his own arrangements. This is a very difficult problem and it sounds like you have tried lots of different things. Getting a different bit does not work when the horse is not respecting anything. It is not easy, but it is possible to remind him how to be respectful and to lighten his mouth up. It is good that he is calm, but pay close attention to how easy or hard it is for you to stop him. At home and away from the barrel pattern, make sure you can stop him with very little effort. Make sure that you can walk, trot, and lope any size circles easily. Make sure that he is REALLY listening to your body and your hands. Then, when you are sure YOU are the boss, take him to a race and just exhibition him slowly. If he tries to take off.... stop him and go slow. Hopefully, in time, you can regain his respect.  |
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 Expert
Posts: 2258
| Hi, Thanks for coming on and answering questions. I hope I can load my video of my mare if you have time to watch it. She is a 5yr old just started running this year and have less than 20 runs on her . She is running 1D and mostly 2D times, 17.6 ish on a standard. I am having some trouble blowing out of 2nd going to 3rd, I have been wondering about changing direction on her. She is hot, and can't warm up with to many horses. I don't do alot of practice on barrels but do alot of riding on her and try to do exercises to help get body control. I think she is pretty talented, I am just getting back into running after about 15 years away, so I need more help than she does.
I can't do my video. Thanks if you have suggestions on exercises or a possible bit change. I have her in a snaffle or a short shanked small ported myler bit.
Edited by cutnrunqhmt 2011-10-27 11:45 AM
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Dust Bunny
Posts: 6541
Location: Colorado | allaboutme - 2011-10-27 10:01 AM Do you have any plans for upcoming clinics in Colorado?
I would love to know the answer to this as well. |
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Impressive!!
Posts: 1954
Location: Idaho | Hi Dena!
So excited your on here. My question concerns my 4 year old futurity horse for 2012. She is very mature, well broke, great foundation mare. When I started her on the pattern I used a loose ring snaffle. She worked pretty well, but since I've never run in a snaffle, I figured I needed to get a lifter or gag bit on her... I tried many different light bits (Simplicity, Loomis gag, etc...) and she started having issues. Finally, I moved back into the snaffle for an exhibition with a tie down and she worked so well...
My question is do you think its ok to compete in a loose ring snaffle? I have always felt out of control, and even with her, she is super fast, but rates hard, so I know we wont pass a barrel... but it makes me a little nerves. I have the tie down on for balance, its loose. Also, I have always like to do dry work in a snaffle on all my horses and then they have their competition bit, now she doesn't...
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | allaboutme - 2011-10-27 10:56 AM What do you think a bonnet tie down is best used for, what type of horse? Meaning what kind of horse would you put it on, or do you ever use one? Also, would you use a nylon one or rope one?
I have used a bonnet on a few horses in the past. Horses that have naturally high head sets, sometimes call U-neck, can benefit from using a bonnet. When I have used them, they were the nylon and fit behind the ears and over the brow bone. These days, I try to frame the horses up more which helps them develop muscles that keep their heads down before resorting to a bonnet. I am not opposed to using one, and they will not stiffen a horse up as much as a tie-down will. Hope this helps. |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | flyhperformancehorse - 2011-10-27 11:14 AM Hi Dena!
So excited your on here. My question concerns my 4 year old futurity horse for 2012. She is very mature, well broke, great foundation mare. When I started her on the pattern I used a loose ring snaffle. She worked pretty well, but since I've never run in a snaffle, I figured I needed to get a lifter or gag bit on her... I tried many different light bits (Simplicity, Loomis gag, etc...) and she started having issues. Finally, I moved back into the snaffle for an exhibition with a tie down and she worked so well...
My question is do you think its ok to compete in a loose ring snaffle? I have always felt out of control, and even with her, she is super fast, but rates hard, so I know we wont pass a barrel... but it makes me a little nerves. I have the tie down on for balance, its loose. Also, I have always like to do dry work in a snaffle on all my horses and then they have their competition bit, now she doesn't...
There is nothing wrong with running in a snaffle. I always say...If it isn't broke, don't fix it. lol Some horses don't like gag bits. I have had several horses that just ran in snaffles, (Ima Nonstop Princess, Letta Hank Do It, A American Rose, etc). Bo Hill has won on lots of horses in ring snaffles!! Just make sure to keep her light. I would alternate between different mouth pieces...one for dry work and one for competition. |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | Sockittoemred - 2011-10-26 10:38 AM Wahoo! Awesome! Love the one smooth motion video snippits on youtube! I'm saving to buy the full set!
THANKS  They are fun to do. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447
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Hoping to see you come to the southeast this year! :) a couple of weeks ago was my first rodeo in 5 yrs and only the 6th time I 've ever ran my new horse.. .. At the barrel shows he does great and we can nail the 1st every time but the rodeo he is very chargey to the first and we run by it....I think i need to ask him to rate a different way at the rodeos than the horse shows...is it ok to bump and give back right before a barrel or do I need to ask for the turn and not give back..
I feel like a am grabbing him and trying to muscle around the first and am locking my arm in place..I think i need to bump and giveback and then pick up again when its time to turn...but i have been told not to ever give it back once i had it...
I do also try to keep his nose tipped to the inside...
Edited by WellsB 2011-10-27 11:49 AM
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | allaboutme - 2011-10-27 11:01 AM Do you have any plans for upcoming clinics in Colorado?
Not yet, but working on it for next year. Mary Cecelia Tharp and I are trying to find a good time to do one. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1114
Location: CA | Thank you for being here today, looking forward to that Colorado Clinic |
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Member
Posts: 37
Location: South Dakota | thanks dena! |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | kwanatha - 2011-10-26 7:39 PM Dena,
I will be working in the morning so here goes! thanks for coming on. Your videos are awesome. i have a gelding that can't make up his mind. one day he is a free runner and the next he is super ratey. geeze never had that problem before. he is young and this is his first serious year barrel racing. He is very well broke with a reiner handle. One problem is he will overturn and stare down the barrel...ooops... he then has to wiggle his rear not to knock it over so he is not in that great of a position for second.Thanks I appreciate any insight.
You are welcome and thanks. :) My friend Ian Francis says, "They go how you ride them." I know this sounds harsh, but I know from my own experience that I sometimes am doing things I'm not aware of. In fact, at one of the clinics Ian and I were doing together, I asked him how to get my mare's head up...he answered, "Don't ask her to put it down, then you won't have to try to get it up!" I have never had trouble with her getting her head too low since. Also, young horses are inconsistent, so we just have to be more consistent and have patience and be really AWARE of what cues we are giving. :) |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas | realitycheck - 2011-10-27 10:20 AM Hi Dena,
Thank you for visiting with us today. I love your DVD's
I am having some trouble with 1st. I can see what I don't like but am not sure how to fix it. Maybe I am not letting him get past the barrel far enough?
Would you mind taking a look at this video if you have time? Sorry about the quality, but its all I have that is recent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU5MFQHqKNM&feature=youtu.be
Thanks,
Jeri.
edited to add: That this is a young horse that I have only been running for a year.
If you want me to review a video, you need to go to WATCHMYRUN.com. At their website, you can submit a video and choose a trainer to critique it for you. :) |
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Potato Soup Queen
Location: Alabama | Thank You Dena for all your help and wisdom and for freely sharing it with our members.
We hope you'll join us again in the future! |
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BHW Professional
Posts: 74
Location: Texas |
Thank you Gail and Barrel Horse World for having me!!! And thank you guys for the questions. I hope my answers helped some and I'm sorry that I didn't get to all the questions. I will post my 2012 clinic schedule here on BHW as soon as I get it completed.
Take care and God Bless,
Dena |
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Welcome Dena Kirkpatrick this morning at 10 a.m. to BHW!