For numerous amateur western riders, the ultimate feat to accomplish is the reining spin. However, learning certain maneuvers without the guidance of a reining trainer can pose a challenge.
Today, we will focus on a specific approach to achieve a reining spin by following a series of steps involving three exercises: the backing exercise, the star exercise, and the spiral exercise.
The Backing Exercise
When teaching a reining spin, it is typically initiated by utilizing the backing method. At this initial stage, it is assumed that your horse is already proficient in backing up with ease and sensitivity. If you are facing difficulties in this aspect, please refer back to my previous article on instructing the western backup.
The instruction will commence with a demonstration of a right spin.
1. Take hold of the reins and maneuver the horse into a backward movement.
First, tilt the horse’s nose to the right and then gently bump with your right heel (or spur if you use them). By doing this, you will initiate a circle in which the horse will back to the left. Consequently, the horse will engage their hind end, resulting in significant hock bending and exertion.
1. Start by releasing your driving aids and cueing a rollback to the right using your left leg. 2. The horse, in response, should perform a rollback to the right, crossing over. 3. As a result, this action will generate a quarter of a spin.
The Star Exercise
Once the horse has mastered the technique of rolling back while backing in a circle, it is time to progress to the star exercise. This particular exercise is designed to establish the pivot foot for executing a proper reining spin. In order for a spin to be executed correctly, the inside foot should be planted as the pivot foot. Therefore, for a left spin, the left foot should be planted, and for a right spin, the right foot should be planted. If your horse is mistakenly planting the wrong foot, the issue can be attributed simply to a lack of forward motion. Surprisingly, forward motion is the key factor in achieving the desired final spin. Please bear with me as I explain.
The initial three steps involve instructing a roll-back.
1. Choose a spacious and level field. Travel along a five-pointed star shape. Upon reaching each point, take a seat and bring yourself to a halt in a square position.
2. Proceeding without delay, continue the forward motion into a turn on the haunches (yield the forequarters). The horse will execute a roll-back movement by pivoting over its hocks. Encourage him to move forward after completing the rollback. If you fail to do so, he will begin to retreat and place his weight incorrectly on his hocks.
3. Keep repeating the process. The continuous nature of the five-point start makes it simple for one roll-back to seamlessly transition into another.
Once you are consistently achieving successful rollbacks on the correct picot foot, you can increase the level of difficulty.
4. Continuously encourage a greater spin. Persist in urging the turn until he begins to move backward. Immediately after he moves backward, prompt him to move forward out of the turn. With precise timing, it typically won’t take long for your horse to start executing a half or even a full rotation.
The spiral exercise is another way you can achieve the same result for your horse while changing things up.
The Spiral Exercise
1. Begin by trotting (or walking) a small circle, gradually making the circle smaller until the horse achieves a sitting position and rotates his hocks.
When you sense the horse pulling back, immediately urge the horse into the gait you initially began with.
Continue repeating the process and consistently strive for increased effort until you sense the horse hesitating, and then encourage them to move forward again.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tips – to Help You Win The Jackpot Big Time
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #1 – Set Up Right
In order to ride the barrel pattern, it is necessary to attend to a few matters prior. If you have a horse who is inexperienced and learning alongside you, ensure that there is a minimum of 15 feet, preferably more, of unobstructed space separating the barrel and any fencing.
It is common for an untrained horse to go far beyond the barrel, and you should avoid colliding with a fence.
Always keep in mind that a rider who is new to barrel racing, despite having ample riding experience, can encounter a disastrous situation like a green rider on a green horse.
Similarly, a horse, despite being well-behaved and accustomed to tasks, could still be inexperienced in barrel racing.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #2 – Health Matters
Gain knowledge on horse health by educating yourself.
In order to ensure optimal performance, it is essential to determine whether your horse is experiencing discomfort, stiffness, or a decline in mental ability. If a horse is not feeling well due to any reason, its performance will be negatively affected. Additionally, it is crucial to have effective communication with your horse’s healthcare providers to ensure that your horse is receiving necessary care and treatment.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #3 – Protect Your Head
Always wear a helmet without any exceptions. It is crucial for your safety as you are in the process of learning. Avoid risking serious injuries that could have severe consequences.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #4 – The Right Equipment
In order to be prepared, it is important to have the appropriate equipment. Ensure that you have a saddle specifically designed for barrel racing, as these saddles are equipped with rounded skirts and a deep seat to maximize your safety and stability.
To ensure your horse’s safety, it is essential to obtain appropriate leg protection. Equip your horse with both splint boots and bell boots for the front and back legs. These gear will safeguard your horse from any disruptions or potential impact.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #5 – Take it Slow
Begin by learning the pattern. Walk your horse through the pattern until you are familiar with it, then progress to trotting, and finally canter the clover leaf. Before advancing, make sure you feel at ease in this stage.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #6 – Learn the Game
In order to be able to compete, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the sport and its rules. Guessing should be avoided at all costs, as it is important to be fully knowledgeable about the game. Having extensive knowledge about your chosen sport is crucial.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #7 – Get a Trainer
To fulfill your desire for barrel racing, it is essential to search for a trainer who has a successful track record in this discipline. A proficient trainer possesses knowledge acquired through personal experience, which they can pass on to you. Their guidance will prove to be priceless in your pursuit of this sport.
If you have intentions of becoming a professional and are committed, it is imperative that you do not overlook this step. It is necessary for you to have a mentor to provide instruction. Even if your goal is to only participate in local competitions, having the expertise of someone highly knowledgeable in the sport is still crucial.
Beginner Barrel Racing Tip #8 – Avoid Over Training
To avoid souring your horse on barrel racing, it is important not to rush or overtrain them. Additionally, it is necessary to take breaks from training by going for a leisurely ride in the woods. Remember, not every session should solely focus on training.
