What are some of the best methods when teaching a 4 y/o the pattern and all the essentials to barrel racing?

Question

I am currently ridng a youn 4 y/o paint...who will run good to the first barrel...she won't rate but she turns good then she gets scared of the second barrel and either spooks or gets almost around and starts side passing ending up giving me a NT. Then runs wide ont he 3rd barrel...what can i do to help her understand!?!?!

Answer 1

You didn't just start running her right away, did you? You need to work from the ground up. Lead her around the barrels, let her nose them and get used to them. Then you start the pattern at a walk, trot, and keep working up. Speed comes later.

Also, you need to offer her activities other than barrel racing, like trail riding or pleasure riding in the arena. These will keep her from getting rank and sour on the patterns.

Answer 2

Repitition is key. Start slowly, doing the pattern over and over, but over a period of time so she doesn't get bored. This will help her learn what she is supposed to do. Also, if she is getting spooked where you currently ride, see if you can take her to a nearby indoor arena where there will be less distractions.

Also when you turn, the most important thing to do is to look to the next barrel and keep your inside shoulder up. Don't look at the barrel. Your body position when you do this will transfer to the horse and help to point their body in the right direction. When you get to the barrel, sit back in the saddle to get her to use her butt. They make their best turns when they sit at the barrel and turn. Also, if she comes off wide, circle the barrel twice. In fact, you could go through the pattern a few times circling each barrel twice. And if it is only the second and third barrels that she has problems with, you could try reversing the pattern.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Go slowly, walk the patterns at first-
I agree you must not look at the barrel -
once you get to the barrel look at the next one,
you may be leaning in towards the barrel and unbalancing your horse.

Also consider whether your horse turns better left or right-
the first barrel is always the opposite direction as the others,
mabe your horse just doesn't turn well one way.
Then you can do more balancing work to equalize the directions.