How does a horse become adjusted to barrel racing?
Contributed By Dave "Daily Double" WildermuthPosted on 5/28/15 8:00 AM
Its important that horses have all of the basic characteristics down pat before even attempting barrel racing. A strong foundation is important in barrel racing as the horse is moving at high speeds and expected to make quick turns while traveling at a super fast velocity.
After the initial basic skill-set is mastered by the horse, barrel racing training can begin. The horse must be introduced to the barrel in a slow manner. Surprisingly enough, many horses can be initially frightened of a barrel. Most trainers will gently walk the horse up to the barrel. This is so the horse can get accustomed to the barrel. This will help build the skill set of the horse moving fast within inches of the barrel. T
he next phase for the trainer is letting the horse know the pattern of the set up. This is done in a 4 step process. Step 1 is to slowly walk the horse through the barrel pattern. Trainers will try and keep the horse as close to the barrels as humanly possible. This will build trust and confidence in the horse. After doing this numerous time, the horse will no longer worry that there is a possibility of being harmed by the barrels. Step 2 the horse will Trot through the barrel pattern staying as close to the barrels as possible. Trainers like to gradually move through these steps with the horses as comfort levels can vary. In the third step, the trainer will canter the pattern through the barrels. Again focusing on the reactions of the horse. Finally, step four is an all out gallop through the barrel pattern. It's important that the horse has no set backs with the first 3 steps before attempting the galloping step. Trainers will vary frequency with step 4 as galloping through barrels can cause mental problems for a horse if done too many times in a row.
Thanks for reading!
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