I have a problem leaving the first barrel. My horse is not firing away like he should and driving to his point. His approach and back side is very snappy however once he is leaving he is sloppy and I lose time cause I am having to force him to get over.He is not fighting his head or anything like that and most people probally dont even recognize it. It probally cost me about 2 tenths every time. Once I get about 3/4 of the way to the second he focuses on his pocket and goes on and his second is really quick and nice.
I have tried just leaving him alone and just try drivin to point however in very small pens he didnt get over in time and I hit the barrel and once he just didnt make it at all. So I definitely have a weakness that I dont know how to resolve. Is there something I need to practice or do u think its me wanting to feel something from him that I dont and therefore is causing me to hang on his head trying to get him over faster. I just need him to drive out of there and focus on his point once he is leaving the barrel not wait until he is half way there. I hope this makes sense.
Julie
You don’t say how old your horse is or how far into his training he is so I will try to give you some general answers that will apply to any age horse. First of all, is this horse in excellent condition or is he ridden sporadically during the week? You may be asking him to do something that he is not physically capable of doing without more conditioning.
What kind of nutritional program do you have? Is he being fed for optimum energy and strength? Do you know that this horse is physically sound and not sore or hurting somewhere that would cause him to not want to move over or drive away from the barrels?
Maybe you need to have him thoroughly checked for any kind of joint or muscle soreness or pain. What about your shoeing? Are his feet balanced and level? Does your equipment fit correctly? An ill-fitting saddle or bit can cause him to resist. And last, but not least, are your cues consistent? When you work him slow, you should be emphasizing correction of any weak places in your ride or his response.
Martha Wright
The horse I wrote about is a 10 yr. old gelding. He runs consistently in the 2D. I have been hauling him for 4 years now. He is very very fit. I ride him no less than 4days a week. Usually more and he is very rounded. He is capable of doing many types of events from Western Pleasure and Trail to English. And he wins at all events. His feet are well maintained and shod regularly. He is kept on a 54+ degree angle on the front and 55 on the back. His feed program is a very high energy program with supplements also high in fat and energy. I feed a mixture of Omelene 200 and Nutrena Compete. Again with added nutrients and vitamins. My back ground is running QH. and I worked on the race track for many years so I believe in lots of energy , however I want it contained therefore I ride alot not only to have them fit but I expect alot out of my horses mentally.I want them to be able to do anything I ask with ease. In other words I never want to be put in a situation and not be able to do it due to lack of training.
I have had him checked out and is sound. I also keep him very flexible by stretching him and also to keep everything adjusted.
I ride him in a Little S hackamore w/a very loose curbchain. He is very light with a great handle. I have even run him in a bosaw.
The only weak spot I have is leaving the first barrel. He just wont leave hard and in a hurry. Every where else is great. Hope this info will help make it easy to answer my question. If u want to know more let me know and Thank u so much for taking the time to help.
God Bless U
Julie
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