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 Expert
Posts: 1612
  
Location: Cocoa, Florida | If you're predominately barrel racing in the south, with some out of state occasions and super shows but mostly Florida, is there a specific kind of style horse you look for for competition? Like one who can handle the dirt down here better (or should I say sand) rather then a big free runner who would do better on a big rodeo pattern?
I'm on the search for my next horse, I run NBHA, super shows that I can get to in a weekend and some local rodeos. I want a step up horse for myself or prospect that can get me to where I want to be and I've felt so overwhelmed looking at these horses lately. I want to keep something longer then a year this time!
Any specific breeding or type of style that people have found to work better down here? Any input? | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
 
Location: Deep South | I've seen all kinds of horses win down here. All bloodlines, all running styles. Tall, short, thick, lanky.
But as far as finished horses go, yes you do need one that likes deep ground when you're hauling in FL. Lol!
A regional bloodline that consistently performs well is the Wonder Otoe bred horses. S Belle Brand, Kaley Bass, and Sabra O'Quinn have made them more well known nationally, but you still really only see them in the Southeast. | |
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 Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975
Location: Sunnyland Florida |
I would say that it depends on your primary focus in hauling.
Most supershows have awesome ground, there's less chance for injuries and you are competing against some of the best. These shows are great for gauging where you are in your training.
As far as NBHA's go, depends on your district. Several districts run only in great ground (not deep), while others have mostly sand pits. It's tough to adjust a horse that runs in these sand pits, then go to our state show where the ground is great (on the hard side).
As far as rodeos, there is a mixture of deep ground and good ground, that's what makes rodeo horses, some of them can better adapt. However, most all horses run best on firmer ground, so some barrel racers skip the sand pits in rodeos as well.
All said above, if you're looking to compete/train for the bigger shows, running and training on firmer ground will behoove you and your horse.
Edited to add: While there are predominant bloodlines that excel in FL, I've seen all kinds of bloodlines, shapes and sizes at the top of the 1D in all sorts of pens. I believe it greatly depends on the individual horse.
Edited by Runaway 2016-12-17 11:54 AM
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I don't run in Florida, but what I would do in your case is buy something that has a record winning where you want to be competing. going out and buying a horse with a super record only indoors on harder ground may not be the right fit for what you want! | |
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