Barrel Racers Do You Want To Be Faster?

January 11, 2019

Barrel Racing is all about Straight Lines and Tight Turns. 

An average running stride of a horse takes approximately .25 seconds while an average turn stride takes .50 seconds.

Make a run and then go examine your tracks. Decide where you can eliminate unnecessary steps.   Running straighter to the barrel and driving straight out of it to the next barrel can make a big difference.  Look where you want to go.  Ride to your pocket. (not too close, not to wide)  Keep your horse between your hands, between your legs.  Balance, rhythm, timing equals Feel, and that equals Success!

In the words of NFR Barrel Racer, Lisa Lockhart, "the success of any athletic maneuver, no matter the sport, comes down to preparation.  Even the most lightening fast moves (especially the most lightening fast moves), can be traced back to proper preparation, sometimes as subtle as a shift in weight that occurs in a fraction of a second." 

Set your horse up to Win.  Be a patient, directive rider; the release and reward method is effective.  It develops a good attitude with "try".  Your Hands communicate your message.  If you send the message, and don't release and reward  your horse for his response, he will become resistant and dead.   Your legs also communicate; Inside leg asks for the shape, outside leg keeps the shape.  Proper preparation is different for each horse, therefore, it can take some experimentation to determine the timing and combination of cues (seat, rein and leg pressure) that your horse responds best to.

Snap and quickness around a barrel comes from driving with equal and even power off both hind legs as you leave the barrel.   Helping a horse stay round in a turn has a lot to do with the degree of contact maintained through the reins and consistent, supportive, guiding contact with your legs. Round turns keep the horses hind end engaged properly, directly behind the front end.  If your horse pushes with more power on one leg than the other, a movement in one direction or the other results and your horse either bows out of the barrel or comes back over the top of it.

Barrel Racing is a process.  Miscalculations in timing, cues and application in this split second sport takes patience and perseverance to figure out.  Barrel Racing is both an Art and a Science.  Like a dance, it is horse and rider, synchronizing moves to achieve oneness.  There will be those days when you want to quit! But don't!  Persevere - you can and will - make barrel racing fun, enjoyable and efficient.

 




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Connolly

'Win or Lose' Regales with a History Lesson on Cowboy Hats
'Win or Lose' Regales with a History Lesson on Cowboy Hats

April 09, 2025

Tourists often visit our Horseshoe Quarter Circle ranch. Of course, us horses are the main attraction! Horses are herd animals by instinct. Several of us run together in the same pasture. One time, Twist, another horse in our pasture that has been here as long as I have, asked me, “Hey, have you ever wondered where cowboy hats came from?” I suppose he was prompted to wonder that because a bunch of dudes, wearing the craziest hats, were headed for us! I know they're a big deal in the West, but...

Continue Reading

Life is Full of First's, and Lots of Life's Lessons
Life is Full of First's, and Lots of Life's Lessons

April 08, 2025

In this blog, we follow Win or Lose, a horse embarking on its first saddle adventure. With a mix of excitement and uncertainty, Win or Lose faces the challenges of adjusting to the saddle, learning the basics of horseback riding, and overcoming moments of doubt. With patience, guidance, and a growing bond with his rider, the horse gradually gains confidence and skill. This heartwarming story highlights the journey of trust, perseverance, and the special connection between Win or Lose and his ...

Continue Reading

Gear for the Modern Cowboy, According to 'Win or Lose'
Gear for the Modern Cowboy, According to 'Win or Lose'

April 07, 2025

You know your gear says a lot about you—but have you ever wondered what your horse thinks about it? 'Win or Lose' has spent years under a saddle and has a pretty solid opinion on everything from hats to boots to saddles.

Continue Reading