It is important to begin with a well-trained horse instead of attempting to train a horse while also teaching it to run barrels. This combination often proves to be ineffective. A horse benefits from prior hauling and life experiences before commencing barrel horse training. Our practice involves introducing horses to barrel training at three years old so we can enter them in futurities. However, we start their basic training when they are two years old and continue to teach them throughout their lives, just like humans.
There is no problem with training an older horse to run barrels, as they can learn quickly with age. We have successfully trained many barrel horses that were introduced to barrel racing at a later stage. It is important to avoid excessive training and instead engage in other activities with your horses, such as trail riding. Prior to starting barrel training, make sure to ride your horse for a minimum of 15 minutes to warm up. However, it is important not to overwork your horse, as both a fresh and exhausted horse are unable to concentrate. In fact, we should dedicate more time to riding than to training.
When it comes to keeping barrel racing enjoyable and effortless for your horse, it is important to avoid turning the task of maneuvering around barrels into something he despises. To achieve this, you can opt to practice barrel racing one day in a week, after your horse has properly warmed up, for a duration of at least 20 minutes. On the other two days, focus on regular horseback riding, and perhaps consider participating in barrel races during the weekends. It is more effective to train in shorter intervals but more frequently, rather than sporadically for extended periods of time. Moreover, it is advisable to introduce your horse to one new skill at a time, rather than overwhelming him with attempting to teach everything in a single day.
After approximately six months of practicing, you can begin taking your horse to exhibitions to test its capabilities. Before participating in races, it is advisable to train your young horse at home. Once you arrive at the event, you can purchase four exhibition tickets. During the first run, you can choose to trot or lope slowly around the pattern, allowing your horse to familiarize itself with the surroundings. For the second run, you can start at a lope and then, two strides away from the barrel, transition to a trot and circle the barrel twice. On the third run, you can let your horse run at a comfortable speed. During the fourth run, you can slow down the pace and address any mistakes made during the previous run, or simply allow your horse to relax and understand that running barrels is not a daunting task.
It is crucial to end your horse’s training session on a positive note rather than when he is making errors. This approach effectively aids in the horse’s learning process. By rewarding the horse after he successfully performs a desired behavior and allowing him to stop, he grasps the notion of accomplishing something good. Conversely, if you persistently repeat the same exercises, the horse will begin seeking alternative responses.
Make sure to have fun with your horse and allow him to have fun participating in barrel racing.
Barrel Racing For Beginners: The Basics
If you are someone who craves speed, competition, and an exhilarating experience, then barrel racing is the perfect event for you. For beginners interested in this, here is a comprehensive guide to barrel racing.
The Game
Barrel racing entails maneuvering your horse swiftly around three barrels in a triangle formation within an arena. The placement of the barrels is as follows: the first and second barrels stand 60 ft away from the starting point, while the third barrel is positioned 105 ft away. Nonetheless, this equestrian event demands greater horse control than one might anticipate, as both rider and horse must actively collaborate to achieve a speedy performance.
The Penalties
When participating in barrel racing, there are two penalties that can occur. The first penalty involves knocking over a barrel, which results in an additional five seconds being added to the recorded time. However, if the rider possesses enough skill to prevent the barrel from hitting the ground, this penalty can be avoided. The second penalty occurs when the pattern is not properly executed, resulting in disqualification for the entire run.
The foundation
Barrel racing requires a significant amount of time, discipline, and control. When you start training properly, you will realize that it involves more than simply running around barrels. A helpful tip for novice barrel racers is to focus on mastering the pattern before focusing on speed. The most effective approach to learning barrel racing is by seeking guidance from an experienced barrel racer or a professional instructor. Nevertheless, it is still possible to self-teach.
Pockets
The pocket, which is about 3 to 5ft in distance, serves as a buffer between the horse and the barrel. It is crucial for every barrel horse to understand and respect the pockets of the barrel. This understanding enables them to create enough space for themselves while turning the barrel, preventing any collision that may cause it to fall.
Rate
The distance from the barrel to the rate is approximately 10 feet. At the start, pause your horse at this point to indicate when they should begin to decelerate and prepare for the pocket and turning the barrel.
Using soccer cones is the most effective method for identifying these crucial points in the pattern. It is important to note that, similar to jumping, you should direct your gaze beyond the jump rather than at it. When engaged in barrel racing, it is essential to train yourself not to focus on the barrel directly in front of you. Instead, shift your focus to a point beyond it and, immediately after rounding the barrel, shift your focus to the subsequent barrel.
