In barrel racing the horse needs to drop down on its hindquarters to make a controlled turn and a powerful exit. Teach the horse to stop at each barrel to encourage it to drop down behind. With a horse that is running past the barrel, stopping will create the habit of racing that you desire. In general barrel horses tend to overrun the barrel or leave too early and wide. The ideal way to teach correct form and control is to stop and back up at each barrel and then circle each barrel 2-3 times. Do this exercise at a walk and trot before adding speed. Anytime you lose control, stop and back up. When the horse anticipates stopping at each barrel, you should be able to run the pattern with total control. It is a good idea to work with flexing and moving off the barrels at the walk, trot, and canter before ever moving up to the gallop.
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I am a horsemanship leader and have a student whose horse is blowing by the first barrel. She is great in practice at a slow pace but put some speed behind her and she runs to the barrel then side steps away and tries to go down the fence. She has great flex but not much whoa. Do I put a stop on her at the first barrel? She is very catty and can take the rest of the barrels at a high rate of speed.
Last Updated: January 19, 2007
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