Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Problem Solving”
Whether training, maintaining or problem solving with your barrel horse you will be using different tools to reach your goal. Keeping an open mind, we are able to add more tools and resources to our toolbox. My training toolbox is full of drills and exercises that target the moves we need to execute a barrel pattern. I use exercises to …
Horses can talk, they just don’t use words. They have their own language of communication and it is our job as a rider to learn their “speak”. The more in tune we can be with our horses the greater our chance of understanding their concerns. However, sometimes the closer we are, the harder it is too hear the truth. When …
This is an excellent video from Ty Mitchell from the Josey Ranch Team of trainers. He talks about some of the things we can do as riders to prevent alleyway anxiety in our horses. He will demonstrate how to be prepared for different setups and still be successful. Prevention really is the key and he talks about some of the …
Here is a great drill that Sue Smith (NFR Qualifier and Futurity Trainer) shared on her Spur UP – Sue Smith Facebook page. The purpose of the drill is to get control of the horses shoulders. Sometimes a horse will “float” or drift in a turn where their shoulders are not following the inside rein pressure. Sue teaches “separation” where …
Professional barrel racer and trainer Dena Kirkpatrick demonstrates how to get a great stop on a barrel horse. She will start at a walk first, she will sit, say whoa, make contact and have them take step back. Dena emphasizes that you stop your horse in a straight line and to get out of their mouth (release) the moment they step …
Fallon Taylor offers several great free barrel racing videos with tips on YouTube. Here is one of her helpful videos that talks about how to deal with a barrel horse that has a tendency to shoulder the barrels. In the video she focuses on the second barrel. The second barrel is the hardest turn because we have to make a …
Sometimes when things go wrong with our horses we are quick to point the finger. “My horse keeps running on the wrong side of the barrel, My horse keeps hitting the barrel or My horse won’t do this, my horse won’t do that”. Horse aren’t that smart, they don’t just run into things for no reason and they don’t think …
In barrel racing we often try and coordinate or match our outfits to the horses gear, but when it comes to personalities, too much of the same can be a bad thing. The idea is to compliment your horses personality with your own. Too much of one thing can be a trouble. If you are nervous and your horse has …
Here is a great barrel racing drill or exercise to remind your horse to stay locked on a turn and not to leave it too soon. What you will do is circle the barrel twice (and sometimes more if necessary to get it right) before moving on to the next barrel. Remember to properly prepare your barrel racing horse for …
Many barrel racers often struggle with knowing when to ask their barrel horses in training for an increase in speed. Joyce Loomis-Kernek is a very experienced barrel racer and coach to many. Her website offers many articles and tips to help you become a better barrel racer. You can check out the tips archive here. One article I particularly enjoyed …
