How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape

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How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape Moderators: luluwhit, gotothewhip, cindyt, crossspur, ForumAdmin Jump to page :	Last activity 2015-11-01 10:11 AM 5 replies, 3073 views View previous thread :: View next thread
General Discussion -> Barrel Talk


griz9112 Reg. Jan 2010	Posted 2015-10-30 9:52 PM Subject: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Member Posts: 33	I purchased a finished barrel horse 18 yo. He has not competed in the past 4 years because of college He was trail rode occasionally I have been out of barrel racing for years so I am also rusty What's the best excersize and feeding program to get him back into running condition? I only plan to run at local barrel runs and maybe local rodeos. Barrel racing has always been a dream. I competed in 4-H and open shows after. Marriage kids came along so that was on the back burner. Now I feel I have a horse I trust enough to take to runs to enjoy myself. It's my time now Thank you for ur time and input!
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ThreeCorners Reg. Nov 2003	Posted 2015-10-31 7:44 AM Subject: RE: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Tried and True Posts: 21185 Location: Where I am happiest	Just get on and ride. Keep it short to begine with and dont over do. Walk, trot a couple laps, walk a lap or 2, lope a couple laps and then walk to cool and bring breathing back to normal. Dont ask for anything much more then just getting fit by mileage and increase distance each week by small incriments. Tired unfit horses is when injuries occure so dont be thinking about running the barrels a bunch for at least 6 weeks. Get him built up first.
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griz9112 Reg. Jan 2010	Posted 2015-10-31 10:10 AM Subject: RE: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Member Posts: 33	Thank you, I appreciate your time and input
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almost there Reg. Apr 2006	Posted 2015-10-31 11:45 PM Subject: RE: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Expert Posts: 1446 Location: California	I found this article with Sherry Cervi informative. http://horseandrider.com/article/barrel_horse_layoff_111209-13056
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Kaycee Reg. Jun 2005	Posted 2015-11-01 9:43 AM Subject: RE: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Texas Tenderheart Posts: 6715 Location: Red Raiderland	ThreeCorners - 2015-10-31 7:44 AM Just get on and ride. Keep it short to begine with and dont over do. Walk, trot a couple laps, walk a lap or 2, lope a couple laps and then walk to cool and bring breathing back to normal. Dont ask for anything much more then just getting fit by mileage and increase distance each week by small incriments. Tired unfit horses is when injuries occure so dont be thinking about running the barrels a bunch for at least 6 weeks. Get him built up first. Ditto with what TC said. I always shoot for the 6 weeks mark and just go slow in the beginning. I do mostly trail riding on my finished horses and not much arena work. I usually ride a little over an hour each horse a day and I am not sure the mileage but it's a good long haul for them. When I first start one after being off for a while I will ride about 30 mins maybe 45 on the trails and mostly walk the first two weeks. Congratulations on getting a good solid guy to get back into the swing of it and THE very most important thing: HAVE FUN!!!
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sorrel horse ranch Reg. Apr 2006	Posted 2015-11-01 10:11 AM Subject: RE: How to get an experienced barrel horse back into shape
Angel in a Sorrel Coat Posts: 16030 Location: In a happy place	You've gotten good advice. I just want to say congratulations on your new horse and best of luck.
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