Welcome to Gaia! ::

So I want to learn how to barrel race, where should I start. I'm not the best for I've only ridden a couple times, but barrel racing looks so fun. What are the necesities for it though, like I know the pattern around the barrels, but I want tips and advice, and whatever else you would like to throw out on this topic.

If you are in Ontario, try going for lessons over at Little Rock Western Riding Stable. They have group hacks and have individual lessons.

If you want to learn Barrel Racing, you might wanna find 3 barrels to start with. xD Place them in a Triangle form about 4 strides away at the top, and 8 strides down at the point.

You might wanna get a Barrel Racing Saddle too. And a STURDY well made bridle to go with it. biggrin

When starting out, walk the course as diagrammed below, then trot where it says gallop. Then, after a bit of practice, go at it at the trot and canter where is says gallop. If you are able to gallop, go out and give her a go when you get it down at the trot and canter the course and gallop the end. If you can't gallop, just ask for a faster canter. biggrin

You wanna go at it like this:



I learned to barrel race from MANY coaches and friends. biggrin I wanted to do that kind of thing with Penny, but she is a bit old for it. D:

If you want to do Professional and show in Barrel Racing, you will want a barrel racing saddle as it's Skirt is cut more to NOT hurt the horse when going on those sharp turns.

Personally, slowing down a bit when you go around the barrel helps so that you don't knock it down.

Wait are you saying you have only ridden a few time?
If thats what your trying to say (I'm now sure if I get it)

But it's best to start at a barn where they teach it.
If you are disciplined in something else it might be harder to learn what you want to learn.
But it's good if you first started off on barrel racing because then you most likely won't have picked up on any bad habits.