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Regular
Posts: 82
| How do you get one to really hunt their first?
Ive got a couple young ones (4 & 5) that I thankfully haven't had trouble with in a run, but they just dont seem to really zone in on the first like I would like/have experienced in the past.
Is there a way to teach that, or is it one of those deals that just takes time/runs? |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
 
| I don’t think you can teach it. I think some horses are just barrel hunters/ push style horses. Others are more free runners and “ listeners”. Blood lines have a lot to do with it. |
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 Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975
 
Location: Sunnyland Florida |
I do think you can teach them all (well, most LOL) to hunt the first. In early training, keep their nose bent toward the first most of the way from the alley at the walk, trot, lope, gallop. Make their shoulders, of course, stay upright and straight but keep that nose looking toward the first. Anytime they look away from that direction, touch the inside rein/inside leg and keep them honed in on it constantly. This habit carries over with speed and you will most likely never have a problem.
Also, no stopping, sliding, slamming their butt in the ground at the first - these things make them hate it. Make it a nice place to go without getting snatched or schooled.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 499
Location: ARKANSAS | in my experience it usually just takes hauling and time, then your gonna go in and all of a sudden your gonna FEEL them looking for that first!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 966
Location: Loco,Ok | Â I learned something from the cutters that helps. Show a horse how to make a good decision. Not every horse cows the same. But all have a little. What their job is. How to do it. |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24954
Location: WYOMING | The rider has a lot to do with this. Make sure your body is cueing your horse to look for that barrel but first make sure your horse clearly understands these cues. Body weight shifting for rate is a great cue to teach it helps keep from having to handle their face a bunch when preparing to turn.
I agree with no stopping, slamming down, nit piking... thise are confidence killers. You have to build their confidence thru repetition and consistency. Im also a nose tipper to #1 too.
Put a barrel in the middle of a field and let them find it. Dont rely on fences or barrel ruts. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
| This is the LAST barrel I add speed going to A lot of people add speed to the 1st way too soon and then wonder why the horse doesn't hunt it. I also really try to put the horse in the same spot every time - as consistent as I can be - so the KNOW where to go. Also, I agree with the not slamming them down at the rate point. It causes a panic spot for the horse. I don't want a brace when I touch one. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
| I ride both sides of the fence on this. Typically, "the hunt" comes naturally, it's not taught. BUT I have had a few late bloomers, who one day, it's like the light bulb went off and they were like "wow, this is fun" and the hunt was on. I think consistency is key and you want them to love their job. |
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Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975
Location: Sunnyland Florida | KindaClassey - 2018-05-18 10:59 AM This is the LAST barrel I add speed going to A lot of people add speed to the 1st way too soon and then wonder why the horse doesn't hunt it. I also really try to put the horse in the same spot every time - as consistent as I can be - so the KNOW where to go. Also, I agree with the not slamming them down at the rate point. It causes a panic spot for the horse. I don't want a brace when I touch one.
I totally agree with this. Adding speed to #1 should be the Very Last finishing touch on the horse. So many good horses are ruined early in the game from adding speed too soon, especially to #1.
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 Ms Bling Bling Sleeze Kitty
Posts: 20916
Location: LouLouVille, OK | Take your time training them... don't get in a hurry |
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | I've had to learn the hard way not to just 'throw them away' to the first and hope they turn. You have to show them. Lots of long trotting and double turning around the barrels. Patience. I'm finally getting one of my horses to hunt it, but still need work on a longer score line.
Edited by barrelracer1983 2018-05-21 4:27 PM
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 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | I’m not an expert by any means...but I have a 5yo I just started hauling in the spring. I haven’t done any exhibitions on him... In my mind, it’s teaching him that every time we leave the alley, we’re going to turn a barrel, not just sight seeing. He’s been entered 4 times, clocking in the 3-4D, and hasn’t taken more than a stride past the first thus far. And I’m perfectly ok with a stride past, as he is going to end up super turny so I want plenty of room while he’s just cruising.
At this point, 4 runs in, he isn’t to the point he’s looking for it when we take off, but when he does see it, he hones in on it. So I think with time he’ll hunt them from the gate. |
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