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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 408
| I'm so discouraged, or better said, almost disgusted with myself . For those that don't know, I am a very timid rider that just made the jump from dressage to barrels. I've been playing with the idea for years and finally got a cute little horse, 17 years old, the kind of horse that has been there done that and that will go at whatever speed you want him to go. I had him for less than a month. I'm able to long trot him, lope him etc, I had him over barrels trotting and finally we started to lope. We are getting professional help too so I am not doing this all by myself either. Yesterday, we trotted and loped the barrels and I noticed that my pony was getting aggregated with me, throwing his head and just not happy. I was told that he is ready for me to take him a bit faster and that I am holding him back.
(By the way, tomorrow I am going to make him an appointment with the dentist to check his teeth...)
I want to take him around the barrels faster so badddd!!!!!! The problem is that my heart says GO but my brain says WHOA!!! I sure don't want to ruin this wonderful little horse and I don't want to get intimidated by him either. Oh, also, I watch my videos of me riding him and OMG!!! Do I look like I just came out of the dressage ring! Ughhhh
I had bad wrecks in the past but surely I don't want to use them as an excuse for not doing this, although the truth to be said, they did scarred me for life. I don't want to go to the NFR or run 1d! I will be happy with just RUN THE BARRELS! Why is my brain no cooperating and my insecurities taking over? Urghhhh, I could kick myself! Does anyone here ever had to deal with these kind of experiences? Am I being unreasonable?  | |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
 
| Speed is scary! A horse will get agitated if you are in their mouth a lot, especially one that knows their job. I bet your guy will take care of you like mine do me. If I got a little out of wack they would slow down and let me catch up, if I was balancing on the riens, would would take the bit till we turned the 3rd then he would give it back. I started riding when my girls went off to college and their rodeo horses were just sitting, to say I was overmounted was a huge understatement. They slowed down for me but their power and the knowledge of knowing what they could run scared the mess out of me. I took it at my speed for a loonnngggg time :). My stomach would be in knots to the point that I would think why am I doing this to myself? I finally bit the bullet and did not hold them back in the alley when my husband, who had been shooting all day at a clays tournament drove an hour to watch me run. I thought, OK, time to make it worth him coming to watch so I let them go. It wasn't perfect but not near as scary as I thought it was going to be. From that point on we progressed, still not what my horses can do but what I can do. I heard a statement once "That if it doesn't make your heart race it is not worth doing". It has become more fun then fear now but the nerves and heart pounding wil always be there. Good luck and don't be so hard on yourself. | |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
 
Location: southeast Texas | Go ahead and throw your sucker in the dirt. Pick it up, wash it off and get on with getting on.
Is there a place you can safely extend your horses running stride so you can get used to speed away from the barrels.?
Work on other things like, poles, setting the barrels/poles in different configurations. Work on poles in small increments.
Dont compare yourself to other riders. Set small goals. As you meet that goal, reach for the next. When it falls apart go back to what you were comfortable doing.
Above all else, have fun. ,! | |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | One thing I can suggest for you is to find somewhere to breeze your horse (let him gallop straight, like at a racetrack or in an open field with decent ground). It will help you get used to going faster. You need to be comfortable at speed when running barrels, and breezing your horse can help you get used to the feeling of speed without having to worry about the pattern in that moment. It is easier to get used to speed going straight first, then work on putting speed into your pattern. (IMO)
I was an english rider for many years, so I feel you on getting used to working a barrel horse. You will get there, you just need to get used to going fast instead of slow! lol. | |
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Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| roxieannie - 2014-05-19 7:19 AM Go ahead and throw your sucker in the dirt. Pick it up, wash it off and get on with getting on.
Is there a place you can safely extend your horses running stride so you can get used to speed away from the barrels.?
Work on other things like, poles, setting the barrels/poles in different configurations. Work on poles in small increments.
Dont compare yourself to other riders. Set small goals. As you meet that goal, reach for the next. When it falls apart go back to what you were comfortable doing.
Above all else, have fun. ,!
Great advice, my horses are finished, just like your guy, so they did not need to see the barrels even though I needed the practice. My trainer would have me do exerises around tires to learn to get the feel of it.
Edited by rodeomom3 2014-05-19 7:27 AM
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  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I think its not so much going from Dressage to Barrels .. I think if you had a trainer in dressage work your horse and or you never exercised him in fields then you will still need one for barrels and speed.. depends what you are used to.. so get a trainer and let them help you get your confidence . | |
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 Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress!  | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| Chin up lady - you CAN do it.
Everyone has to progress at their own speed. You have some GREAT advice on here ... I'd go with getting a trainer to help you and don't give up! Your heart is in it, the rest WILL come. I'd be willing to bet you didn't become a dressage rider overnight and western riding of any type takes practice too!
Good luck!!
ETA for my poor spelling today :)
Edited by lindseylou2290 2014-05-19 9:58 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 408
| Thanks so very much for all the wonderful advice and for taking time to listen to my pity party. I do work with a trainer and the only times I work on barrels is with my trainer (3 times so far)The reason why I'm so frustrated is that my heart wants to go faster, my horse wants to go faster but my brain and insecurities are not letting us....SO FRUSTRATED!!!! I don't want to mess up this little guy  | |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | Herbie - 2014-05-19 8:44 AM Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress!
I think this is wonderful advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| Former hunter/jumper/dressage rider here.
I agree with the seat comment - I say this because my mom had no trouble picking me out of the holding pen at BRF on the webcast. Apparently 6 years after my last ride in an English saddle...I still ride like that. I've embraced it to an extent. I found that while many complain a Martin crown c throws them forward, I feel quite comfortable and natural in it, whereas other saddles I felt off and insecure because being on my pockets is not natural for me. I noticed when running in the field with some other girls yesterday - they sit, I naturally take a half seat or stand in my stirrups. So make sure you have equipment that you feel comfortable in.
Did you wear a helmet when you rode dressage? Do you wear one now? I always did growing up, and I still feel uncomfortable without one, so even when I'm the only one at the rodeo with a helmet on a - it's on.
It all come with time. At some point if the horse is trustworthy and knows his job, you just need to send him and trust him, hang on. But it will come. The head tossing and such is likely because you're getting tense without realizing it, especially if he's otherwise calm. Have you ever watched anyone run him? If not, have your trains hop on for a run through, sometimes seeing is believing and when you see how good he is it might bolster your confidence. | |
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 Regular
Posts: 92
Location: here there and everywhere! | Herbie - 2014-05-18 9:44 PM
Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress!Â
Well said! A good friend recently said to me whats wrong, I replied I feel sloppy not sitting "proper" etc I need lessons on my equitation (or so i thought). she looks at me and says "you look fine! THIS IS BARREL RACING, THIS IS KEEP YOUR ASS IN THE SADDLE CLASS NOT EQUITATION CLASS!" best advice ever!! 
Edited by SmokeNMirrors 2014-05-19 10:19 PM
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Since your a dressage rider, I'm guessing that horse is fine tuned. Sooo quit thinking with your head and feel with your heart. Just run to the barrel do a half halt engage the hind quarters for the turn and do it two more times for your barrel run. The same thing you do in dressage apply it to your barrels. NOw the pity party is over. Have fun  | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2041
Location: home for the winter...what a dumb idea | I agree with the posture comment. I just started riding a horse for a lady who takes lessons from a dressage instructor( she is a awesome rider and trainer has win Olympic medles) anyways her student was having trouble with her horse not loping off nice and smooth and they both said he kept coming up on the front when asked to lope....Both though he just needed more time in the saddle and owner was to busy as was the instructor so I was asked to ride him.......OMG he is a dream to ride will spin a hole in the ground. As close to a true bridle horse as I have rode.... but I ride him like a western horse one handed unless he drops a shoulder ect. He was trained by a feed lot cowboy in ND....I asked him to lope as you do for a reining horse. Just touch on the inside rein and a slight bump with the out side leg... he loped right off never moved his head. They couldn't believe it.....wanted to know what I was doing...lol...I told them I was riding him like a cowboy not an English rider...lol...the owner tried but she just would not relax enough and ride one handed....So I get the pleasure of riding him for the next month...Moral of the story relax think.sack of potatoes.... ok maybe not quite that much but you get the idea.... | |
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | Herbie - 2014-05-19 8:44 AM
Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress!Â
100% agree with this!!!
I went from equitation hunters to barrel racing, and I STRUGGLED to ride "already broke" horses. I finally gave up trying to find a finished horse. I bought a green broke horse, put MY hunter buttons on him (he could probably do a nice 1 meter class even now, if you wanted) AND THEN learned to do barrels with him. Now, after years of barrels- I still have instinctual huntseat equitation tendencies, and riding in my old Stubben feels like coming home to my favorite recliner.
I'm not saying that's the way to go though. But definitely focus on riding the horse you have now, not the horses you rode then. Maybe find a reining trainer to take some lessons on one of their horses? Just to mix it up a little? | |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | rode dressage and jumpers for the first 9 years of my riding experience. I had the same problem, and the other poster that said throw your hands forward and let them run in a field really helped me. don't let yourself pull up until the end. for two years straight I would come off the third barrel and start cranking on the reins convinced my horse wouldn't stop (of course he would, but my brain took over.) It will get better, and make sure your trainer is really trying to help you in those problem areas.
you kind of have to get used to getting him in your hands around the barrels, and riding by his ears in between them. thats going to be a huge change for you and you'll come around, enjoy it now! and don't get yourself down over it! | |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | svincent - 2014-05-20 12:40 AM Herbie - 2014-05-19 8:44 AM Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress! 100% agree with this!!! I went from equitation hunters to barrel racing, and I STRUGGLED to ride "already broke" horses. I finally gave up trying to find a finished horse. I bought a green broke horse, put MY hunter buttons on him (he could probably do a nice 1 meter class even now, if you wanted ) AND THEN learned to do barrels with him. Now, after years of barrels- I still have instinctual huntseat equitation tendencies, and riding in my old Stubben feels like coming home to my favorite recliner. I'm not saying that's the way to go though. But definitely focus on riding the horse you have now, not the horses you rode then. Maybe find a reining trainer to take some lessons on one of their horses? Just to mix it up a little?
I agree with you. I train and sell a few horses here and there. Typically keep them until they are fun to haul and then sell them. When people come and try my horses their first comment is how shocked they are at how much feel they have and how broke they are. I have had a few horses that I have put too many buttons on and it has made them hard for other people to ride because when you wiggle your pinky finger it means something to them, but i've learned from those mistakes and don't put QUITE as much on them as I used to. Hehe
It is a completely different seat and different concept, and someone who is making the trasition gets a big thumbs up from me, because no transition is easy. I luckily grew up roping and running barrels as well during the time I was also riding the hunters, so I think I got the best of both worlds....thanks to my parents.
The most important thing i've found for myself anyway is to allow myself (and my horses) to make mistakes. I encourage everyone who is struggling with anything on their horses to be forgiving both of them and of yourself. Be willing to try new things, and always keep an open mind.....i've been surprised by the people i've learned from, even if it is the smallest thing. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
Location: Texas | Herbie - 2014-05-20 8:38 AM
/>The most important thing i've found for myself anyway is to allow myself (and my horses) to make mistakes.  I encourage everyone who is struggling with anything on their horses to be forgiving both of them and of yourself. Be willing to try new things, and always keep an open mind.....i've been surprised by the people i've learned from, even if it is the smallest thing. Â
This!!! I have such a hard time letting go if I go to a barrel race. I worry what others will think, what my family will think. The last race I went to I high loped (kind of) a pretty pattern, didn't hit, ran 18 something or the other. My husband said you have to go faster, our middle daughter would have run faster. Yes, she may have, but she has no fear and hasn't been drilled in the ground, doesn't know what it's like to have a family to take care of. So I understand (I went from barrels to dressage and back, and have contemplated reining). And the fear of speed is now there for me. I agree with whoever said find some place to open your horse up a little at at time. And don't be afraid to try a little more speed at a race and mess up. This is your time for fun, allow yourself that.
Edited by batkitty 2014-05-20 12:42 PM
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | Herbie - 2014-05-20 8:38 AM
svincent - 2014-05-20 12:40 AM Herbie - 2014-05-19 8:44 AM Here's my bet....having come from an english background myself, english riders typically want to keep a horse in their hands at all times. They want to ride two handed like we would a dressage horse or a jumper instead of one hand on the reins at a time unless you're stopping or backing up. Alot of barrel horses aren't taught the collection in the bridle and impulsion from behind english horses are, ESPECIALLY dressage horses. Are you trying to ride your barrel horse like he's a dressage horse, two handed and in the bridle? If so, i'm betting your are sending him signals that he doesn't understand. I'm betting that your seat is rigid as well.....if i've heard "NOSE, KNEES, TOES" or "EAR, HIP, HEELS" once i've heard it a thousand times. Riding western is way more relaxed....try relaxing your seat, rounding your back out, and slouching in your saddle....melt into your horse. The posture in your seat and the tension in your hands is a cue for a barrel horse to get ready to make a run. Try learning to just relax, ride around one handed, and slouch in your saddle and i'll bet that helps both you and him relax. Don't get upset, it takes time and patience. :) And good for you for making the transition!!! I don't know where you're located, but I wish it was close to me....i'd love to ride with you and watch you progress! 100% agree with this!!! I went from equitation hunters to barrel racing, and I STRUGGLED to ride "already broke" horses. I finally gave up trying to find a finished horse. I bought a green broke horse, put MY hunter buttons on him (he could probably do a nice 1 meter class even now, if you wanted ) AND THEN learned to do barrels with him. Now, after years of barrels- I still have instinctual huntseat equitation tendencies, and riding in my old Stubben feels like coming home to my favorite recliner. I'm not saying that's the way to go though. But definitely focus on riding the horse you have now, not the horses you rode then. Maybe find a reining trainer to take some lessons on one of their horses? Just to mix it up a little?
It is a completely different seat and different concept, and someone who is making the trasition gets a big thumbs up from me, because no transition is easy. I luckily grew up roping and running barrels as well during the time I was also riding the hunters, so I think I got the best of both worlds....thanks to my parents. Â
The most important thing i've found for myself anyway is to allow myself (and my horses) to make mistakes.  I encourage everyone who is struggling with anything on their horses to be forgiving both of them and of yourself. Be willing to try new things, and always keep an open mind.....i've been surprised by the people i've learned from, even if it is the smallest thing. Â
I too had "both worlds" growing up, kind of. My cousins all rode reiners and working cow horses - and I rode hunters. The reining and cowhorses weren't enough adrenaline for me; but I did ride them sometimes. When I moved to the Northwest I found myself without much of a hunter scene, so I picked the next most exciting discipline (in my opinion).
I STILL ride with shorter-than-normal stirrups because I feel lost if they are too long. I expect ALL my horses to be able to travel with collection, in the bridle, wish impulsion from behind. I expect to be able to lengthen or shorten their stride at my whim. I've learned to train "over" other training to add what I want. I don't do much selling of finished horses, because I'm a hoarder :) but the few times I've let somebody ride one of the horses that I've finished - they struggled a bit for sure., but oh well :)
I think that if you are going to have any ingrained tendencies, dressage is a good set to have - it can cross over into EVERY discipline in SOME way. OP, there's hope, don't give up. Lol | |
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | Forgot to add: I suggested trying reining lessons on an actual reining horse because a nice reiner is just as sharp as a nice dressage horse. There is still so much control and finesse - but with a much more casual posture. It might help you to loosen up and let the horse be, without feeling "out of control" :) | |
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