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 Expert
Posts: 1304
 
| When you all started barrel racing how did you get over that speed barrier? I just started last summer and got a beginner safe horse who is perfect for me. We didn't get to barrel race that much last summer before college because I was visiting my dad, going on vacation, and I honestly didn't make it the biggest priority. We rode a lot, just didn't barrel race. This year's different and I'm going to make time to get some experience and feel comfortable with her. We've gone at a fast canter, just not full out. I've gone full out on other horses just playing around and I'm not scared of her and she can do it, I just can't seem to get myself to go! I'm going to practice of course, but what did you all do to make yourself comfortable? | |
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 "Hottie"
Posts: 1373
Location: Okemah,OK | You don't have to add speed all at one time. You can do this either when you're the one learning to add speed or if you're on a young horse and they're the one learning to add speed. Do it in stages/sections. Start with the easiest stretch, the run home from third barrel. Do that for a few runs and then add it from second to third. Do that for a few runs and then start asking for speed between first and second. Finally, after a few runs, add speed going to first. Before you know it you're running full out through the whole pattern. At anytime, you can take the newest section out and throttle back. | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| whiplashranch - 2014-04-21 11:42 AM
You don't have to add speed all at one time. You can do this either when you're the one learning to add speed or if you're on a young horse and they're the one learning to add speed. Do it in stages/sections. Start with the easiest stretch, the run home from third barrel. Do that for a few runs and then add it from second to third. Do that for a few runs and then start asking for speed between first and second. Finally, after a few runs, add speed going to first. Before you know it you're running full out through the whole pattern. At anytime, you can take the newest section out and throttle back.
Totally agreed. And even that can be broken down more. Turn the first and 2-3 solid kicks, then turn the second, 2-3 solid kicks, turn the 3rd and kick all the way home. Eventually you can add another kick and another as you feel comfortable in driving harder to the next barrel. Your horse and your pattern will tell you when it's time. Once you've had a few smooth patterns, push a little harder. If it gets wonky, back off a little.
And sometimes, you just have to trust the horse and go for it. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1304
| Thanks guys! She's definitely not a young one, she's about 21 and she's experienced in barrels and now I just need to get there! Lol. I'll keep that in mind and try it out! | |
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