Before you rush towards your first barrel, it is important to acknowledge that a significant amount of work is done behind the scenes. If proper preparation is not undertaken prior to the rodeo, achieving fast barrel times will be unlikely. Kelly Murphy, a trainer and participant in barrel racing from Kentucky, has devised a list of 10 tips to aid in maximizing the performance of your rodeo horse.
Maintenance of Your Horse
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to provide proper care for your horse.
Kelly recommends that games horses receive regular chiropractic care. Additionally, Kelly suggests that it is beneficial to have an equine dentist visit your horse twice a year. Furthermore, it is important to collaborate with your farrier to ensure the good condition of your horse’s feet.
You should consider the option of placing aluminum shoes on your horse as they are lighter.
Kelly believes that joint supplements can be advantageous for game horses.
Kelly suggests giving horses a supplement containing glucosamine, and if the veterinarian advises joint injections, it is worth considering as they help increase the fluid in the horse’s joints. Kelly adds that arthritis can pose challenges for horses that exert themselves extensively in the show pen.
In order to run faster times, it is essential to prioritize fitness.
Kelly advises that in order to build up your horse’s muscles, you should engage in hill work, long trots, and trail rides.
Correct Equipment
According to Kelly, it is crucial that your horse’s saddle, bridle, bit, and saddle pad fit properly. If you are uncertain about the correct fit of the bit, Kelly suggests asking your trainer to inspect it.
If your horse’s saddle is pinching him or if the bit is too low in his mouth, he will not be able to perform at his best.
To ensure proper usage of a tie-down, it is important to adjust it neither too tightly nor too loosely. Using the pictured method, test the tie-down by lifting it up so that it touches your horse’s throat in the indicated manner.
Kelly explains that she typically employs a tie down during her horse training sessions, however, she removes it while competing to allow her horses the freedom to fully extend their necks and gallop.
Dedication
Kelly emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the task at hand. When schooling your horse, it is advised that you refrain from engaging in conversation with others in the ring or using your phone for texting.
Kelly advises not to allow oneself to become distracted while working with a horse. It is crucial to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it is being done at home or during a show.
Forgive and Forget
Kelly advises taking 15 minutes to reflect on any mishaps that occur during a run. She emphasizes the importance of dismounting from the horse when feeling angry, as many individuals tend to vent their frustrations on the horse. Kelly states that the majority of the time, the cause of the problem lies with the rider. It is crucial to analyze what went wrong and strategize on how to rectify the issue before the next run.
Safe and Reliable Transport
In order to prevent stress, Kelly believes that riders can minimize the likelihood of showing stress by ensuring that their trailers are a secure environment for their horses.
Kelly says that if your horse has a stress-free journey to a show, it will enhance their performance in the arena.
More Tips
Get a Trainer
If your goal is to engage in barrel racing, it is crucial to locate an accomplished trainer who has excelled in this field. An adept trainer possesses the ability to impart valuable knowledge derived from personal experience, making their assistance immensely valuable.
If you have a genuine intention of becoming a professional in the future, it is imperative that you go through this process. It is essential to have a mentor who can impart their knowledge and expertise. Even if you only aspire to participate in local competitions, it is still crucial to have someone who has a deep understanding of the sport guiding you.
Avoid Over Training
It is important to take your time and avoid excessively training your horse. Over training can lead to your horse losing interest in barrel racing. It is also advisable to not solely focus on training during every session. Give your horse a rest by going for a leisurely ride through the woods.
Work Together
If your horse doesn’t listen to you at home, he won’t listen at an event; therefore, you and your horse need to be in tune with each other.
You and your horse are in a partnership. Your goal is to find a horse that will support your learning and not impede it. Strive to maintain the motivation and happiness of your horse as best as you can.
Visit an Event
If your horse is not accustomed to noise and a showground atmosphere, it is advisable to take him to local events without participating in competitions. The goal is to familiarize him with the sounds, smells, and activity. It is not recommended to compete with a horse that has not previously been exposed to such high levels of stimulation.
Protect Your Head
Ensure that you wear a helmet at all times, making no excuses, particularly when you are in the process of learning. It is crucial not to gamble with the potential of suffering a severe injury.
Take it Slow
Begin by learning the pattern. Walk your horse through the pattern until you are familiar with it, then start trotting and finally canter the clover leaf. Before progressing, make sure you are comfortable with this stage.
Learn the Game
In order to compete, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the sport and its rules. Without this knowledge, one would be unable to actively participate. It is important to avoid any uncertainty or guesswork by becoming well-versed in your chosen sport.
Set Up Right
In order to ride the barrel pattern, there are a few things you must attend to before commencing. When dealing with a novice horse that is also learning, it is essential to have a minimum of 15 feet, and ideally more, of open area between the barrel and any surrounding fencing.
It is not advisable to come into contact with a fence as an untrained horse can frequently exceed the barrel.
Always keep in mind that the combination of a green rider on a green horse may result in a disastrous outcome. (Green typically refers to an inexperienced horse and rider, but in this situation, it pertains to a rider who is familiar with riding but inexperienced in barrel racing.)
Similarly, a horse may possess good manners and be accustomed to work, yet still lack experience in barrel racing.
Health Matters
Gain knowledge about horse health.
In order to ensure optimal performance, it is important to be able to determine if your horse is experiencing discomfort, physical stiffness, or a decline in their mental state. If a horse is not feeling well, for any reason, their performance will be negatively affected. It is crucial to effectively communicate with your horse’s healthcare professionals and have confidence that your horse is receiving the necessary care and attention.
