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Expert
Posts: 1477
  
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | Kick so hard during a run? know not every one does it but a lot do and I'm also guilty of it. I have many pictures of me flying our of my saddle cause of "starfishing". I read something the other day that got e to thinking about something. When I sprint my horses at home I put my hand forward and they go. All of them do. But when I make a barrel run I kick them to death ain't because I was taught if you want them to run you have to kick kick kick and it becomes habit. It's a habit I wish I could break. I been watching the NFR girls and none of them that I've seen kick their horse to death. I've trying not doing it but adrenaline takes over and I'll start kicking hard agin. How do I break this habit? | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1162
Location: White Mountains of AZ | Tie your legs down!! JK I don't know know to fix it, but I have notcied that. I'v never really kicked my horses, nudging yes, but never kicked during a run | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 425
Location: California | Hmmm maybe hang your stirrups low for a while? Or take them off the saddle? Maybe you won't be as prone to kicking, because you'll be too busy holding on with your thighs? | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1261
| I think the starfishing thing happens when the rider gets behind the motion and their but bounces off the saddle but they keep kicking. I try to do more just bumping to encourage my horse, she's super super ratey but I think you can do little bumps with just the calf down much faster and encourage them to get without kicking the air out or getting behind and then in the turn I just move my feet just a little to keep her moving around. | |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
 
Location: North Dakota | If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 234
Location: Oklahoma | I always wonder this, as you dont see jockey's kicking during races. I try to be quite with my feet when riding, I dont like it when you see the girls kicking and you can here the horse grunting during the run cuz they are kicking so hard. | |
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 "Hottie"
Posts: 1373
Location: Okemah,OK | wishes4kissez - 2015-12-07 11:53 AM
I think the starfishing thing happens when the rider gets behind the motion and their but bounces off the saddle but they keep kicking. I try to do more just bumping to encourage my horse, she's super super ratey but I think you can do little bumps with just the calf down much faster and encourage them to get without kicking the air out or getting behind and then in the turn I just move my feet just a little to keep her moving around.
I agree with you about someone getting behind or getting popped out of the saddle and continuing to kick (I get popped about every run!) but there is also those that 'kick from the hip'. Not giving my opinion as to whether it's good or bad, just noticing that sometimes it's not a mistake or a 'pop up' but rather deliberate when you kick with your whole leg. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1261
| whiplashranch - 2015-12-07 10:00 AM
wishes4kissez - 2015-12-07 11:53 AM
I think the starfishing thing happens when the rider gets behind the motion and their but bounces off the saddle but they keep kicking. I try to do more just bumping to encourage my horse, she's super super ratey but I think you can do little bumps with just the calf down much faster and encourage them to get without kicking the air out or getting behind and then in the turn I just move my feet just a little to keep her moving around.
I agree with you about someone getting behind or getting popped out of the saddle and continuing to kick (I get popped about every run! ) but there is also those that 'kick from the hip'. Not giving my opinion as to whether it's good or bad, just noticing that sometimes it's not a mistake or a 'pop up' but rather deliberate when you kick with your whole leg.
I guess when I picture starfishing I picture the butt of the rider two foot above the saddle lol. But yes I know some people do just kick with the whole leg too. | |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| sam.kappen - 2015-12-07 12:59 PM I always wonder this, as you dont see jockey's kicking during races. I try to be quite with my feet when riding, I dont like it when you see the girls kicking and you can here the horse grunting during the run cuz they are kicking so hard.
lol u don/t see jockey kicking as they are up off horses back in short irons | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | I think it was ten years ago when I first saw girls really kicking their horses running home. I never did it but I thought "what the heck, they're pretty fast so I'll try it". Tried it once running home and my poor horse, I could hear her grunt after that kick. I felt so bad after that I've never done it again.
What you could do is put a reminder on your horse, kind of like wrapping a string around your finger. Instead tie something off in your horses hair or put your horses mane in a half bun right in the middle of her neck. Lol it might look silly if your at a barrel race but if it helps then it's worth looking silly for a while until you break yourself of the habit. | |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | cecollins0811 - 2015-12-07 12:32 PM I think it was ten years ago when I first saw girls really kicking their horses running home. I never did it but I thought "what the heck, they're pretty fast so I'll try it". Tried it once running home and my poor horse, I could hear her grunt after that kick. I felt so bad after that I've never done it again. What you could do is put a reminder on your horse, kind of like wrapping a string around your finger. Instead tie something off in your horses hair or put your horses mane in a half bun right in the middle of her neck. Lol it might look silly if your at a barrel race but if it helps then it's worth looking silly for a while until you break yourself of the habit.
I actually did this for my sister. She didn't kick but she had a habit of sitting too early and making her horse turn into barrels at shows, so I put a rubber band in his mane as a reminder to stay forward. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | Yes, I was just thinking about this the other day! I'm guilty too. I've wondered also about those aluminum stirrups. I was carrying my saddle the other day and my stirrup just clunked my shin a little bit but it hurt more than you would think it would. | |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction.
I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807
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Regular
Posts: 95
| Run your pattern bareback. If you can do that without falling off I'd say you should be successful in breaking the habit then. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 725
| r_beau - 2015-12-07 1:08 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM  If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction.
I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807Â
This is a reson why I love to watch Nancy Hunter ride!!! She uses such quiet hands and it is just fun to watch! | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 516
| r_beau - 2015-12-07 1:08 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM  If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction.
I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807Â
I'm really glad I'm not the only one who noticed.. Congrats to her for making it there but I cringe when she comes into the arena. Even my non-horse friends watching the NFR with me asked why she was flopping around so much. I guess if it works for ya, it works but I also wonder how much better Bling would be. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456
Location: SW MO | WiscoRacer - 2015-12-07 1:27 PM
r_beau - 2015-12-07 1:08 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM  If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction.
I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807Â
I'm really glad I'm not the only one who noticed.. Congrats to her for making it there but I cringe when she comes into the arena. Even my non-horse friends watching the NFR with me asked why she was flopping around so much. I guess if it works for ya, it works but I also wonder how much better Bling would be.
I am not an NFR barrel racer but I would say that different horses work better in different circumstances. Sarah has rode bling to wins everywhere. She has rode that horse like that since her NBHA days. If you read her comments or listen to her videos she says that the horse needs pushed every step or she won't make the best run. I have a horse that runs better if youre up over her with your hands reaching up by her ears, she just fires harder. that being said I rarely kick hard (I just physically am unable to). I don't think that horses need the tar kicked out of them but I think that each horse responds to different encouragement differently. Just like some horses won't run if you use a whip or spurs- some horses won't run if you aren't up over them hustling. | |
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 Voice of Reason
Location: NOT at Wal Mart | r_beau - 2015-12-07 11:08 AM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM  If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction.
I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807Â
Watch her runs in slow motion.... | |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | WiscoRacer - 2015-12-07 1:27 PM r_beau - 2015-12-07 1:08 PM cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-12-07 11:58 AM If you look at the science of it, "starfishing" as it is called, is absolutely detrimental to the horse's physical and mental well being. Not do horses have extremely sensitive skin, but each time your legs are coming down and hitting that horse, you're potentially knocking the wind out of them. I mean, do YOU want to get kicked in the ribs while trying to run your fastest? Many girls also bounce several inches out of the saddle each time they kick. That is 100+ lbs of force landing on that horse's back repeatedly. Not good for their spine. Couple that with the rough hands I see all too often at barrel races and no wonder so many horses have gate issues. They learn to associate barrel racing with pain. No wonder so many are on stuff for ulcers and calming. Injected with this and that. Covered in magnets and BOT and every other therapy system out there. Too many people, rather than learn to ride correctly, pay for everything under the sun to treat the symptoms and the cycle continues. To say that a horse "needs" to be kicked to go is utter BS. If you train the horse to respond to a light touch from the beginning, that is all they will eve need. It is entirely possible. I know this because I have seen it and I have done it. There are some really good racers out there, at all levels, that ride quietly and correctly and their horses perform well and are visibly happier and more comfortable.
That is why watching the NFR even is bittersweet for me. Yes, you have to work hard to get there and I don't want to knock anyone but I can't help but feel some of these horses are doing well in spite of their riders. I mean, look at Fallon and Babyflo. I like Fallon a lot. She's a fantastic businesswoman and I have a lot of respect for her promoting the helmets and adding a lot of flair to the barrel pen. She seems like a really fun, cool person. BUT her riding. Oh my. She has definitely improved but if she would just take the time to work on herself and get quieter in her body and hands I think she would be even more competitive! I have seen one more than one occasion pictures of her with her bit pulled so far through her horse's mouth that I can see the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece. That is not good horsemanship. And lots of kids see her too and want to ride like Fallon, multiplying the issue. I know I'm picking on her but there are a few of them that really do just make me cringe to watch.
Ever discipline has its issues, and this is one of the most prevalent for barrel racing. I wish I could change the thinking people have regarding training and riding. I probably sound like a broken record but if people stopped focusing so much on "drills" to "fix" issues, training gadgets, etc. And started working on basic dressage and really learning how to control both their own and the horse's body with subtle aids, the barrel racing world would be moving in a very positive direction. I feel afraid to say something because who I am to critique the NFR riders? But I personally am not a fan of how Sarah Rose rides Bling. All that hand motion makes the reins move, makes the bit move. Whatever happened to quiet hands? I understand she's really got to push Bling into the turn so she doesn't turn too soon, but I wonder if Bling would be even better with someone who kept their upper body STILL? I just see weight getting thrown all over the place instead of staying nice and balanced; her upper body is all over the place (mostly forward over the front end, putting more weight on the front end). I also do feel like she kicks rather hard, instead of encouraging bumps.
I love watching Bling work. I think she's such a cool horse. But they are probably my least favorite pair at the NFR only because I personally don't like how her rider rides.
Sincere congrats to them for winning Round 4. But I too, wonder about all the kicking.
https://vimeo.com/148055807
I'm really glad I'm not the only one who noticed.. Congrats to her for making it there but I cringe when she comes into the arena. Even my non-horse friends watching the NFR with me asked why she was flopping around so much. I guess if it works for ya, it works but I also wonder how much better Bling would be.
I agree. Like, I'm madly in love with Bling so I cheer for her. I'm sure Sarah is great but yeah her riding is so floppy I can't look away. The physics just don't make sense to me. | |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Wow is all I can say, now why are you girls bashing Sarah and Fallon on their riding styles, they are kicking booty and at the NFR, we all ride different, they ride their way and we ride our way..And Sarah, when she leaves the barrels up you had better watch out cause shes going to be bringing home a big fat check, while we are all home watching her at the NFR   | |
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