Hello all, I'm new to this forum :)

 I have a coming 4 year old appy gelding (non-characteristic).  He's been saddle trained and has done trails with the previous owner.  But since I got him last July I've turned him out to pasture to mature and just be a horse.  Well we bought my daughter a barrel horse and after them working together for a few months they just dont seem to click very well.  Last weekend was their first race together and they bombed.  First run, her gelding didn't want to go through the alley, then he spooked at the first barrel, ducked it and fought to get out of the arena.  Second run, once again had to be lead in then cantered to the 1st barrel hit it, spooked, tried to get back out but she worked him through it and 2nd and 3rd barrel were great but still received a no time.  She understands that it wasn't all his fault since they're a team.  But we also have this appy gelding that I was intending to use for trails but he's pretty athletic and a quick little dude.  So my husband and I are thinking of getting him in training to become a barrel horse.   Long story short I'm looking for input on his confirmation.  These are older pictures he has grown some.  Ill also post his pedigree and any input on that would be great as well

https://www.allbreedpedigree.com/sdr+blackhawk+shadow

Good looking horse. He looks like he could do it. 

That horse is built incredibly nice.   I would say he'd make a decent if not good barrel horse. 

Are you planning on vetting the other one?  It sounds like it needs a good lameness exam.  Horses don't start refusing and blowing off barrels for no good reason.   Maybe they dont' get along the best, but it could also be soreness making the horse not want to work. 

We did have him vetted and no physical issues were found other then he had severe pain from TMJ (which is being addressed and taken care of).  The person we bought him from didn't necessarily take the best care of him.  He was used as a work horse (ran barrels) and then put away.  Poor guy had little to no ground work done until us.  We've gotten him vetted, teeth done, chiro (getting that done tomorrow) and massage/magnawave (also going to be done this week).  He is on the reactive/sensitive side, so he spooks really easily, (there was a group of people that were standing by the fence at the first barrel, our daughters trainer thinks that couldve been part of why he ducked).  We didn't know the extent because we were working on his other issims so we hadn't taken him to a race until last week.  I am going to see about having a saddle fitter come out and make sure it isn't the saddle that's causing him any issues.  When their just practicing at the barn he does the pattern and exercises perfectly and trail rides with the best of them. So idk if it was nerves (which is possible) or if they just aren't a good match.  He's definitely more of a push style(he's a tad bit lazy to be honest..lol) and her a free runner.  

Our black gelding I'm thinking would be a viable option if we end up having to sell her current gelding or at the very least be a back up and be a second horse to run.

I dont see any reason your appy cant compete, I know several nice appys in the barrel pen.

I would consider having another opinion looking at your other gelding. To me, that seems like a lot of chaos to not really have a solution. Just to make sure you give the other gelding a fair shake at this. 

This is unrelated, but regarding your daughters blow up barrel horse... was he purchased from a private seller? 

Unfortunately, some people will screw another person without a second thought ??

Most horses can be barrel horses, it just depends on the level you want to compete at.  The only draw back that I see is, unless your daughter has a lot of experience with green  horses, you really need someone to put some time in the horse.  Teenagers normally don't have that needed experience, or the patience to pattern, or ride a green horse.

I think finding an older been there, done that horse would make it a lot more fun for your daughter and you.

Go on Facebook and look up Fancy Fast Horses,  will answer your question about Apps running barrels.  I don't see anything in your horses conformation saying he won't be a barrel horse.  

Good luck in whatever you decide.

There is absolutely no reason why he can't make a barrel horse! All kinds of different conformation as well as genetics make winning barrel horses. He looks nice! Good luck to you!