Horse Racing Training
Where to Start for Horse Racing Training
What is horse racing training and where do you start? People have heard talk about barrel racing at horse shows, but many don’t know what it’s really about and what goes into horse racing training. The sport was originally started when women wanted an event in which they could compete that would be fair and yet still be a challenge. They used 55-gallon barrels and set them up in a cloverleaf pattern. Making one right and two left turns the women would race to see who could complete the course in the fastest time.
Modern Barrel Racing
Today, barrel racing is a lot more complex than it was in the past. Both the rider and horse need to be physically and mentally steady in order to compete and have success with barrel racing. Stamina, concentration and synchronization are required of both the rider and horse. The only way to gain these results is through consistent and proper horse racing training.
If you are going to begin barrel racing then you need to take your time and make sure you do horse racing training right the first time so you don’t have holes in your training plan later. The age of your horse and what training they have had already will determine where you are going to start training, but most of the time you can continue to use your previous horse training methods. When you are ready to start horse racing training you need to set up a pattern that is regulation size. Try not to set up the barrels on a grassy area since this will become dangerous for the rider since it is slippery. If possible, place large tractor tires around the barrels for extra protection.
Step One
The first step for horse racing training is to walk the horse. Walk them to the barrels; stop at your rate point, which is about ten feet from the barrel for a beginning horse. Make sure you always stop at the same point each time since repetition is the only way a horse can learn. Next, back your horse up three steps or until their hind end is under them. Sit slightly forward and ask the horse to go as you walk it around the barrel. After you leave the third barrel, go left to the fence and back down to start. You should only do this three to four times a week to start so you don’t sour your horse before you start.
Step Two
Once your horse has been able to do the walking pattern and has learned to stop on his own at the rate point you can start training them to trot the barrels. Do the same routine as step one, stop at each barrel and back up at each rate point. At this time, push your horse into a trot at you start to move away from the barrel so your horse starts to learn when he needs to move out.
Step Three
After your horse has mastered the trotting pattern, you can move on to the next step. Don’t rush your horse into perfection. Rather take your time since you don’t want the horse to get bored. Make sure you let the horse do other activities such as trail riding, poles, cones, etc. In this final step, it is important that you start focusing on lead changes between the first and second barrels.
After these three steps, your horse should understand the pattern well enough. Don’t start using any serious speed with your training until at least a year. Once your horse has become well seasoned then you can go on trail rides or other such riding options. Do anything with your horse other than barrels. This will help to keep both you and your horse happy so you can perform at your best.
