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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
   
Location: Montana | My mare, I keep thinking I'm going to get her going on the barrels. She is patterned both directions. But, about 3 weeks ago, I didn't have any barrels set up, but just did an "imaginary" barrel pattern in the pasture. Some how she KNOWS when we are doing the pattern (imaginary or not), and goes a whole different speed...SLOW. Even at a trot she is slower, and most of the time (off the pattern) she wants to GO, GO, GO. I'm sure it is a feel she gets from me or something on the pattern. She's 12, almost 13, and had a late start on just basic training besides barrel training (I didn't get her until she was 8 and hadn't had much done since 30 rides her appx. 5 y/o year).
When do you give up and get a different horse? And it may just be me she doesn't click with, I don't know. She is great to trail ride with and is quite cowy naturally. My horse's happiness is as much important as my own in what we are doing. So at what point do you decide that they aren't going to make a barrel horse and move on to a different horse so everyone is happier?? Or do you just keep on keeping on hoping that one day it all comes together?? Thanks guys, and Merry Christmas!
 
ETA: I know I'm not a perfect horsewoman, or always know the exact right thing to do in horse training and barrel training, but I am trying to do the best I know how to do with what I have. I'm not blaming my horse at all. But I'm getting discouraged and am trying to find some encouragement on whether to keep on trying or to figure out something else. I love my horse, and I love barrel racing, so when it becomes more work than fun I know I need to change something, and that change most likely has something to do with something I'm doing or not doing. Thank you for the insight!
Edited by mtcanchazer 2013-12-24 1:19 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 738
Location: Anywhere my horses are ! Lost in Texas!!!!! | Have you made sure there is no pain issues going on. Tequila does the same thing your mare is doing when asked to do her job. We can trail ride all day with no problems.  |
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 The Rose of Rodeo...
Posts: 2560
Location: Where we still run to look when the siren goes by. | Why do you think she doesn’t want to be a barrel horse?
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 10:58 AM Why do you think she doesn’t want to be a barrel horse?
I'm sure it is something I'm doing or not doing. Part of me thinks that perhaps I'm not a good enough horse-woman yet to bring her along in her training, and she would be better suited to someone who could and I could find a barrel horse that would be more suited to my level of riding. I'm not blaming her at all, 90% of a horse's problems are from the saddle up.
Edited by mtcanchazer 2013-12-24 12:19 PM
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The Rose of Rodeo...
Posts: 2560
Location: Where we still run to look when the siren goes by. | mtcanchazer - 2013-12-24 11:18 AM Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 10:58 AM Why do you think she doesn’t want to be a barrel horse?
I'm sure it is something I'm doing or not doing. Part of me thinks that perhaps I'm not a good enough horse-woman yet to bring her along in her training, and she would be better suited to someone who could and I could find a barrel horse that would be more suited to my level of riding. I'm not blaming her at all, 90% of a horse's problems are from the saddle up.
I get what you’re saying. I think you can take this in 2 directions, either sell her and get a horse that is patterned and learn from that horse, or you can finish this horse out and learn from her. I don't think there is a "right way" and either way you’re gaining knowledge. 
One thing, if you have done mostly slow work on the pattern with this horse, that’s what she thinks she’s supposed to do...go slow. Work in some speed and show her what it’s all about 
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 Winner winner chicken dinner
Posts: 2047
Location: California | I would say when it is no longer fun...because at the end of the day, that's what it's supposed to be. |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 11:29 AM mtcanchazer - 2013-12-24 11:18 AM Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 10:58 AM Why do you think she doesn’t want to be a barrel horse?
I'm sure it is something I'm doing or not doing. Part of me thinks that perhaps I'm not a good enough horse-woman yet to bring her along in her training, and she would be better suited to someone who could and I could find a barrel horse that would be more suited to my level of riding. I'm not blaming her at all, 90% of a horse's problems are from the saddle up.
One thing, if you have done mostly slow work on the pattern with this horse, that’s what she thinks she’s supposed to do...go slow. Work in some speed and show her what it’s all about
Thank you very much for your insight! I know I can get good advice on BHW! I get what you are saying about slow work on the pattern, that definitely makes sense. |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | crzystevielvr - 2013-12-24 11:42 AM I think making a horse do imaginary barrel patterns is silly and unfair to the horse. There is drills that can be done off the pattern of course, but I think sometimes we forget to keep barrel racing in perspective; these are herd animals, not mind readers.
I get what you were saying. I wasn't expecting her to be a mind reader. In was trying to pick my "spot" in the pasture setting of where to turn around like a clump of horse puckey (my imaginary barrel) or something. Improve me as much as her. I'm just thinking she must get a feel from me when I think "barrel pattern" even though there are no barrels in sight. I didn't figure it would hurt to practice turns or circles either. |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| mtcanchazer - 2013-12-24 1:12 PM
crzystevielvr - 2013-12-24 11:42 AM I think making a horse do imaginary barrel patterns is silly and unfair to the horse. There is drills that can be done off the pattern of course, but I think sometimes we forget to keep barrel racing in perspective; these are herd animals, not mind readers.
I get what you were saying. I wasn't expecting her to be a mind reader. In was trying to pick my "spot" in the pasture setting of where to turn around like a clump of horse puckey (my imaginary barrel) or something. Improve me as much as her. I'm just thinking she must get a feel from me when I think "barrel pattern" even though there are no barrels in sight. I didn't figure it would hurt to practice turns or circles either.Â
I don't think it's silly or unfair. A truly broke barrel horse can gather for a turn on your cue and get down and turn just as hard as on a pattern. I spend a lot of time in a walk and trot asking for barrel type turns, and sometimes a lope to ask for impulsion and forward movement. Nothing wrong with it.
It's possible through slow work to slow one down. When you're getting ready to make a run, add some energy to your voice and body, and ask her to wake up! You can energize her the same way that you quiet her, with your voice and attitude. Put some urgency into your riding! |
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  Texas Lone Star
Posts: 5318
Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked | When I have or start having problems with a horse and I can't seem to fix it I go to a professional trainer. If you can afford it (would make a great christmas gift) find a clinic in your area or if someone in your area is really good take her and maybe they can help, before you give up.
I personally like Ed Wright and have gone to him a lot either at his place or a clinic. He has always been able to help me, the horse or both of us depending on the problem. Sometimes it's something we are doing or not doing and sometimes it's the horse. Good luck |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Awe, thanks guys. I'm glad I'm not the only one who practices turns on "imaginary" barrels. Her turns are good if I don't cue her too soon. There is going to be an Ed Wright clinic this spring about 90 minutes from me, maybe I'll be able to attend this year.
You've given me so much encouragement, thank you so much. Merry Christmas and many blessings.  |
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 Queen Boobie mascot
Posts: 706
Location: Mayerthorpe Alberta | our gelding is 20 this year. We cut him at age 7 and got him broke. I trained and ran him on barrels for a couple of years. He was alley sour (which i hadnt ever dealt with before). I finally had enough and kicked him out for a year. He was strictly a pasture horse and was used on cattle round ups etc. When my daughter's horse wound up sore she took over the gelding. She worked with him in the alley and had her ups and downs but at age 20 he is running the best he ever has and he cant wait to get in the alley now. If I didnt know the horse i wouldnt believe the changes in him. Just goes to show, that you never know. :) |
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 Veteran
Posts: 141
Location: College Station, TX | mtcanchazer - 2013-12-24 12:35 PM
Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 11:29 AM mtcanchazer - 2013-12-24 11:18 AM Rodeo Rose - 2013-12-24 10:58 AM  Why do you think she doesn’t want to be a barrel horse?
 I'm sure it is something I'm doing or not doing. Part of me thinks that perhaps I'm not a good enough horse-woman yet to bring her along in her training, and she would be better suited to someone who could and I could find a barrel horse that would be more suited to my level of riding. I'm not blaming her at all, 90% of a horse's problems are from the saddle up.
Â
One thing, if you have done mostly slow work on the pattern with this horse, that’s what she thinks she’s supposed to do...go slow. Work in some speed and show her what it’s all aboutÂ
Â
I'm going through the same thing with one of mine. She's slow maturing so I spent too much time slow working trying to just let her grow up, but do something with her at the same time. Let me tell you she has a GORGEOUS slow pattern! Problem is at a barrel race she thinks the goal is slow and pretty.
I didn't remove the slow work completely, but I try to always start and end with a faster paced cruise/run through the pattern. It's helped a ton, but after 6 months she's still learning to move out. I'm not ready to give up on her yet. |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thanks guys...she is a nice horse, and I know she will likely never be 1D material. She had a gate issue that was my fault (we've since worked through it, I was getting nervous and she wouldn't go in). If they had an award for a nice lope through, she would be doing all right! LOL. Maybe we'll get there yet. We've been through a lot together over the past almost 5 years, and that is why I'm hesitant to sell her. You all have so much personal experience, you are great to get advice from. Thank you!  |
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