Is 16 hands to big for a barrel horse?

Answer 1

yes they should be about 15 hands the bigger the horse the more problems they have barrelracing

Answer 2

It really depends on the horse's ability to rate itself. Typically, a taller horse will have a longer stride which makes it more difficult for them to make a tight pocket around a barrel. However, the taller horse can cover the distance between the barrels quicker than a shorter horse. I have worked with barrel horses between 14 and 16.2 hands and they all have their strong and weak points when it comes to making a good run.

I think the most important thing is whether or not you work well with the horse and you are confident in both you and the horse's abilities. If you have these things, you can make an awesome run regardless of the height of the horse.

Answer 3

No, 16 hh is perfectly fine. Ugh, there are so many people against tall horses used for barrel racing, but it actually does not make much of a difference. I see PLENTY of 16+ hh horses that leave everyone else in the dust.

Most people think that a tall horse will have a difficult time turning the barrel. This is not true if you train them right. What will make it hard for them to turn the barrel is if they have a long back or mid-section. That makes it difficult for them to wrap themselves around the barrel: Height has nothing to do with it. This is a common misconception since tall horses such as hunter/jumpers tend to have longer backs, but the height has nothing to do with that.

Good luck with your barrel racing! It's such a fun and exhilerating sport..I hope you do well

Answer 4

yes and no depends on the horses ability and if your gonna run rodeo or just for fun most rodeo pens are small and your bigger horses have to work harder for the turns since they need more room to get around it your barrel shows tend to have bigger patterns where a taller horse can make up for wider turns in the straight aways but typiclly when im looking for a new barrel horse i look between 14.2 and 15.2 I own 3 barrel horses and have trained a bunch mine are 14.2 14.3 and 15.1 hands tall all of them have very different running styles but where i usually beat out others are with there quick snappy turns dont get me wrong they are quick but in the turns is what makes you or breaks you. Is the horse already trained for barrels? if you are training it or looking to buy it make sure the horse has good rate . To teach rate first walk your horse almost to the barrel and say whoa then make him or her back a few steps then continue with your pattern doing this at every barrel increase your speed as the horse starts doing it by there self by you just saying whoa without touching the reins this willl also help so that you dont have to be in his or her face as much when asking for the turn In all my years of training and competeing its not the size or age of a horse that matters its the heart . If this is the horse you want to compete on I say go for it

Answer 5

No, 16 hh is not too big for a barrel horse. If the horse is collected, it can make the same pocket as a smaller horse. I once had a 16.2hh QH gelding that would put his nose and my shin on the barrel for the entire circumference. He wouldn't knock down the barrel, but we would touch it without fail. Dan and Vicki Reinhardt loved him. It's all in a horses agility/ conformation. and collection, not in their size.

Answer 6

normally barrel horses are around 15 hands. really to run around barrels fast it easier when the horses are smaller, like in thoroughbreds they want big, tall horses for racing

Answer 7

Depends on the horse. Barral racing requires very fast, sharp turns and a very tall horse will probably not be able to make those turns as quickly as a shorter horse can. He could probably do it to a degree, but would likely never be a top competitor.

Answer 8

It depends on what level you want to ride at, and how athletic the horse is. If you've got a short coupled athletic horse you could be fine. If you're horse is lanky and long, and not so athletic, you may have a harder time.

Answer 9

It really depends on the horse. If he's tight and good, then no. If he's clumsy and loose then yes. Size isn't the main factor (although it plays a role) talent and willingness is really what gets you the prize.

Answer 10

this horse would probably do better as a roping horse, I'd say if you really wanted do barrel you probably could if you really worked on it.