Barrel racing, similar to other equestrian sports, necessitates appropriate equipment to assist and safeguard your equine companion, thereby enhancing your chances of success.
When starting out in barrel racing, one of the first things to do is choose the right equipment for both you and your horse. Running a flawless pattern and achieving a quick time requires patience, practice, preparation, and skill, making barrel racing an enjoyable, fulfilling, and thrilling activity for 4-H members and their horses.
Having a properly fitted saddle for barrel racing is crucial. The main purpose of a barrel racing saddle is to enable the rider to have a deep seat and make swift, sharp turns with their legs slightly forward. Additionally, this type of saddle typically features a smaller horn, which aids in keeping the rider’s body stable during turns. Numerous saddle makers offer barrel saddles at different price ranges.
It is crucial to ensure that any saddle used fits properly in order for a barrel racing horse to perform at its best, as they need to have comfortable freedom to fully utilize their body. To gain further knowledge about fitting a barrel saddle, one can watch a video by Sherry Cervi, a four-time World Champion barrel racer, where she explains saddle fitting and the use of shims.
When considering Equine Leg Protection Boots, it is important to ensure that they fit perfectly and meet the specific needs of your horse. There is a wide range of boot types available, with each serving a specific purpose in protecting different areas of your horse’s leg and hoof. While there may be various colors and patterns to choose from, it is crucial to focus on providing the appropriate protection and support for your equine athlete, rather than being distracted by visual appearance.
When choosing a suitable bit, it is important to consider that there are various types of bits that serve different purposes within a horse’s body. It is crucial to keep in mind that even if a bit is labeled as “barrel racing,” it may not necessarily be the appropriate choice for you and your horse. Prior to selecting a bit, please consult the Michigan 4-H Horse & Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations in order to comply with the specific bitting requirements.
When riders select the bit equipment, they must keep in mind the responsibility that comes with the control they gain. The horse and rider can function as a team by maintaining correct body positions, using consistent cues, and employing leg aids. When experimenting with a new bit for your horse, it is crucial to go back to slow work. This ensures that your horse comprehends the new cues provided by the bit and allows you time to adapt to the horse’s response to the change in the bit.
Once you have gathered the necessary equipment, you are fully prepared to commence your barrel racing training.
Horse Barrel Racing Exercise Tips
In order to achieve success in horse barrel racing, it is crucial to have effective training. A workout routine for barrel racing horses should include cardio and endurance conditioning, with sessions taking place five or six days per week. In addition to the usual riding in the arena or on trails, training should focus on improving speed and endurance. This can be achieved by dividing the training into three days of 20-minute long trotting, followed by two days of five-minute loping in each direction.
To avoid your horse becoming burned out, it is important to vary their routine by incorporating trail riding or other types of riding besides barrels.
On days when you have barrel racing or rodeo events, it is advisable to focus on slow work and maintain a light cardio routine. The intention is to avoid excessive exertion, allowing them to showcase their skills during the competition. The primary objective of the slow work is to ensure they remain alert and responsive to my cues as they navigate the pattern at a walking or trotting pace.
Feed, Supplements and Barrel Racing Supplies
There is a wide range of supplements and feed available, and people have differing viewpoints regarding them. Proper feed and supplements are essential in a barrel racing equipment list. Here, we present some of our well-tested and favored choices.
Feed for Barrel Racing
Bluebonnet Intensify Ex-Factor and Pride of the High Plains Alfalfa cubes are an excellent choice as they allow for a larger feeding quantity compared to grain. Horses naturally require constant forage consumption, and this combination aids in the prevention of stomach ulcers and the accumulation of acid.
BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSE BARREL RACING SUCCESS
To ensure a well-cared-for horse, horse barrel racing necessitates providing them with quality feed and incorporating these supplements into their diet to optimize their performance both during and outside of the race.
- Formula 1 N?NI Blue Label for their joints
- Equinety Ultimate OEC for hoof support and muscle recovery
- Electrolytes to keep them drinking on and off the road
- MVP Calm-Ex to keep them focused.
- Stride Gastro Phix to help prevent ulcers and soothe their stomachs during stressful times.
To speed up their recovery and avoid soreness, it is recommended to apply a liniment or poultice on their legs after a run. Vetericyn and Bigeloil are among our preferred liniment brands, while Sore No More and Ice Tight poultice provide effective results and are quick to clean up.
To cool off your horses during hot weather, rinse them with cool water before puting them in the trailer. Additionally, giving them a quick rinse after a run or workout helps them cool down.