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Hi everyone I'm just getting into barrel racing and I'm a self taught rider. I've been riding for 4 years most trail I'm young & would like to join the equestrian team once I get into high school. So I've been riding my horse around the pattern at a walk & trot for about 2 months now & was wondering if I go to the right barrel first one lead should I be asking for? I'm guessing the right lead and I should be on the left lead for the other 2 but I'm not sure! Any help I'd appreciate also I'm getting a trainer as soon as I can talk my parents into it!
You are correct, right lead for right turn/barrel.
When I was starting Martha Josey had a video called running to win. It has some good basics. My favorite was a breakdown of some runs so you could see what the horse/rider did right.
It would be a start until you can get your parents on board for a trainer or some lessons.
The Charmayne James on Barrel Racing Western Horsemanship book is great for new riders. If you can talk your parents into a streaming service Between the Reins will be very helpful as well.
Barrel Racing 101 by Marlene McRae is a great book for beginners as well as experienced Barrel racers. I've been Barrel racing for 11 years and still found it very helpful and informative.
Yes, Right barrel, right lead.
As a beginner I remember that feel being harder for me, but once you get those down, it becomes easier to feel if they are on the wrong lead.
If you look on Youtube, you can find all kinds of videos on lead changes and that. Find the person that makes the most sense to you, that you connect with the way they teach :)
Clinics are a great tool too!
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