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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Mental Game Plan for barrel racing and for life!
Name it to claim it! Set a realistic short term goal, this weekend (ie:goal per race, smooth run with pretty turns, it will lead to faster times later) ... (More)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What great horses and horseman have taught me!
I have been training professionally for almost 16 years and HORSES have taught me the most, but every great horseman or woman I have ever studied with privately or in a clinic have taught me something as well. I always say never discredit someone's training unless you truly spend a ... (More)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Hock Problems
FBH.com reader says she was reading an old article of mine about hock issues. Her horse has been getting hock injections for a few years now. She barrel races at local shows only a few times a year. When the problem first came about it was in the lower hock ... (More)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
My horse clocks 1D/2D but I hit barrels leaving, what can I do?
My horse hits barrels leaving what can I do, we are always in the 1D or the 2D, no other problems then that? Here is what I suggest you try, if you can practice slow a couple times during the week and before your competition, I can suggest somethings that ... (More)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
GBH.com reader wants to know how to engage her horse's frontend?
Georgiabarrelhorse.com reader wants to know how to engage her horse's frontend, that he extends his stride because he is dropping his shoulder too soon in the stride before the turn. How would she fix this? Great question, first start away from the pattern. ... (More)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
My horse needs a new bit, what do you suggest?
FBH.com reader says she needs a new bit for her horse. So far a tender touch, wonder bit or an "s" sidepull do not do the trick. He goes right through all of them. He has been known to drop his shoulder, does not whoa or rate in them and ... (More)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Just need to shave a few more tenths?
FBH.com reader says their horse runs 2D but is not maxed out yet and want to know where they might be able to shave off more time? Without seeing a video of you, I can't say for sure but I can make some suggestions for food for thought. ... (More)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
My horse is too bendy around the barrel, HELP!
FBH.com reader says her 9 year old horse is really bendy around a barrel. He is also a push type horse on the pattern, that seems to run around the barrel. She would like to get him straighter in his turns and snapping back more. She would like some ideas ... (More)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Common Problems and Common Sense Solutions for your Barrel Pattern
Alley way issues, no rate to first, hit second barrel, blow off third, no whoa at the end of race! This article offers some ideas to correct or prevent problems from happening. ... (More)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Alleyway and first barrel issues
I received two email questions both with 5 year olds that have alleyway issues. One after you get him in is great on the pattern and the other runs off, won't rate first or stop. At the last show ended up at the back of arena, before rider got control. ... (More)
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Novice Horse Concerns
I have been getting lots of email questions about novice horse problems. The questions are about fading in on the barrels, turning too soon, or getting stiff in turns and going by the barrel. Most of it is pilot error, mental game prior to your run and how you prepare ... (More)
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Has the style changed riding in turns and what is the best arc to first barrel?
Reader would like to know why some people seem to line up to first barrel from third barrel for take off and others line up closer to first barrel, and which is better? Secondly, she said she noticed over the years people seem to not sit in the turns as ... (More)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Barefoot or Shod, what is better?
Do you hate bent shoes, pulled shoes, torn up walls from nails being ripped off when shoe is stepped on? Have you ever considered going barefoot and wondered why you can't? Are shoes for protection and correction, or can a horse's hooves provide their own traction, protection and shock absorbtion? ... (More)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
How can I fix my performance problems?
I get so many questions about rate issues and barrel hitting issues and while every situation may be different it all comes down to ONE thing; FUNDAMENTALS/FOUNDATION! In this article I will suggest things to get your horse listening and supple in the mind and body, so you can fix ... (More)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Runaway Brisco, my novice horse
We finished our year as Reserve Champion 1D Novice Horse with the Tour of Champions. Starting a barrel horse is rewarding, but it's a long road. I would like to share my last two years with you getting my mare going and what her novice year has been like! From ... (More)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tips to Keep your Horse Healthy, by Dr. Carla Pasteur
Dr. Carla Pasteur, DVM, of Rising Sun Equine Clinic in Ocala, Florida is a top vet, acupuncturist, chiropractor and specializes in herbal medicine. In this article she will offer tips on keeping your horse healthy and inform us how acupuncture works. ... (More)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
How do you use a bozal?
Jodi just bought a horse that uses a bozal, and she was wondering how to use one? ... (More)
Saturday, November 03, 2007
My horse runs 1D and 2D but I hit barrels, how do I keep him from doing that?
This question was emailed to me from a cowgirl riding a 10 year old quarter horse gelding; How do I keep my 1D/2D horse from hitting barrels? ... (More)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
TCVM groups everyone into five personality types
TCVM, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine groups everone into five personality types. The groups are named after environmental elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each group or element has its own characteristics and interacts with the other groups. An understanding of the groups will help you understand and work with ... (More)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Alley issues and hitting barrels!
FBH.com reader has a 5 year old quarter horse/appaloosa mare. She has been running barrels since she was 2 and doing fine until the last couple of months. She states she is only able to spend time with her on the weekends due to living far apart from her horse, ... (More)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Hot Spots and Holes in your Performance!
I'd like to talk about HOT SPOTS and HOLES in our timed event horses. We all deal with it, every horse has it's issues from time to time. Every rider has to decide how to handle it by knowing the horse you are riding. Do you need a tune up ... (More)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
TLC Fall Barrel/Pole Clinic was a success!
I always love having my clinics. It makes me very happy to see horse and riders improve together. It also makes me realize how important constant maintenance of basics and fluidness is in every horse, novice or open. ... (More)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
My horse stalls behind the barrels for what seems like one second!
Lisa has a horse that is 7, her problem is when they get behind the barrel, it feels like she is sitting there for a second. She says she does not have much head set and wonders if that is causing or if too late to teach head set. She ... (More)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
I will work for you, written by the horse to the human
I read this once, it was written by a barrel racer that has passed on. It has always stuck with me and I try to train and live by it. I hope you enjoy it as I do. I will work for you, by the horse to the human! I ... (More)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Natural Trace Mineral Salt vs. Salt Blocks
Natural Trace Mineral Salt vs. Salt Blocks, by Jeffra Sinclair/JS Essential Therapies: Salt should either be pink or gray and shouldn't be messed with by man. It should come from the ground or sea, just as it is found. ... (More)
Friday, September 07, 2007
What is a good weekly work out plan to keep my barrel horse fit?
FBH.com reader wants to know, "What is a good workout plan to keep my barrel horse in shape? How many days a week should I ride him and what should it consist of to keep him in top performance shape? Also, what tips for when you can't ride but a ... (More)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Give your horse a massage!
Do you know everytime you go to brush your horse you could do more for them by using your hands? Horses develop sore muscles, stressed tendons and ligaments running barrels and poles. There is a way you can make them feel better and maybe save on vet bills too! ... (More)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Discouraged rider, knows her horse is hurting!
Elizabeth from Oklahoma writes to ask for advice. Elizabeth says, her horse is a 7 year old paint gelding. He is pretty fast and was doing good. He has started showing soreness, in the alley he backs and figits around now. She gave him time off, he seems stiffer to ... (More)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
German Martingales, how to you adjust them?
FBH.com reader wants to know how to adjust a german martingale to her wonder bit vs. an o-ring snaffle? Should she snap the reins to the shank or the o-ring part and where should the martingale go? She has been told two ways! ... (More)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
My horse would be extrodinary if we could master first barrel!
FBH.com reader says she has an 8 year old gelding that they have owned 4 years and she has been competing on him this year. If she runs him wide open to first he blows it, if she lopes from the timer to it, they are slow around it and ... (More)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Saddle Fitting
FBH.com reader wants to know what is the best saddle to fit a barrel horse and how do you know it fits? This can be a lengthy answer, first thing to do is fit the horse, then fit you. Click on to read more..... ... (More)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Is my granddaughter ready for a faster barrel/pole horse?
FBH.com reader wants to know if her 8 year old granddaughter who has barrel raced for 6 months, improving from 26 seconds to 18 seconds is ready to buy a horse that runs 16's on barrels and 21's on poles? Click on this article to see my answer. ... (More)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
FIRST BARREL PROBLEMS!
"TENNESSEE" FBH.com reader says, I bought a 13 year old horse with first barrel problems, what can I do? She says, she never practices barrels and at a show if you open him to first he will blow it everytime. If you lope him he might turn it. ... (More)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Just bought a 6 yr old who was awesome, then first show he blew by 1st barrel!
FBH.com reader says she just bought a 6 yr. old who ran barrels like a dream, fast and powerful, she was ecstatic. Then at the first show he blew down the arena and didn't turn first barrel. What can she do to fix that? ... (More)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Cowgirls are TOUGH!
So often life knocks the cowgirl down, but what makes her tough, what makes her a winner is that she always gets back up! ... (More)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
When is it time to enter your horse in it's first show?
FBH.com reader wants to know when is it time to enter your horse in a barrel race? Learn more about Tina at her webpage: tlcbarrelhorsetraining.com ... (More)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
What is the best way to keep a pole horse tuned up?
FBH.com reader wants to know the best way to keep a pole bending horse tuned up? ... (More)
Monday, July 09, 2007
Part 1, 90 days to a better barrel horse, SUMMER MOTIVATION!
PART 1: If you are over the heat of summer like I am and excited for fall to come in 3 months. I might have something to motivate you. If you would like your horse to be a more willing partner, and you want a little tune up from the ... (More)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Equine Dentist
Wil Croncich, ACEqD, WHY IS IT SO IMPROTANT TO USE AN EQUINE DENTIST? We have modified the horse's diet and eating patterns through domestication and confinement. We demand more from our performance horses, beginning at even younger ages now then before.... ... (More)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
My barrel horse seems to lock up on front end and goes to fence before he turns first barrel?
FBH.com reader writes, "My 2D barrel horse seems to lock up on front end before he turns first barrel(a right turn) and he goes to fence then turns". I use him for roping(head horse)and barrels. He did better for awhile after a clinic two years ago. A couple months ago, ... (More)
Saturday, February 17, 2007
My personal struggle, EQUINE EYE SURGERY
In October of 2006 my mare, Belle, suffered with an eye ulcer in her right eye. It was treated wrong by a farm vet, required surgery and months of around the clock care. I thought I would like to share our story, struggles and beginning success back to the competition ... (More)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Gate and Alleyway issues
FBH.com reader is concerned her horse has recently started having gate/alleyway issues. She says, "When she gathers the reins and head towards the alley he takes the bit from her and gets too excited, she feels she is losing control" ... (More)
Monday, January 08, 2007
What to do when problems arise?
When problems arise, it's your horse's way of telling you something is wrong! It might be pain they are feeling, it might be they feel over-pressured, it might be they don't understand your cues or you are lacking something in your basic foundation training that is showing up with speed. ... (More)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My horse was hurting that is why she quit working!
Months back a FBH.com reader asked me for advice about a horse that would not turn right barrels. I suggested it was sore, to have a vet check her over. She did, her farm vet missed it, she kept schooling her horse and even sent her to a trainer for ... (More)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
COLIC season, be ready
With all these weather changes, colics are up. It goes from 80 to 50 in a day or two and horses quit drinking. There is stuff you can do to reduce your risk of a vet bill, sick horse or worse. ... (More)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Part 6 or 90 days to a better barrel horse
Thanks to everyone who commented on how much they liked this series. I will recap the first 5 parts and address some comments or problems that people emailed me they had in part 6. ... (More)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Part 5 of 6 of 90 days to a better barrel horse
In part 5 we will discuss making barrel training fun for a finished barrel horse that just needs a tune up. ... (More)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Training for POLE BENDING
Competing at poles is fun! Training a pole horse is fun too. Unlike barrels with only three turns, poles has three turns and 10 weaves, so timing and precision is key in this event. ... (More)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Part 4 of 90 days to a better barrel horse
By this time you should have a great relationship with your horse on the ground and in the saddle if you followed parts 1, 2 and 3 so far. Now we will move on to BACK TO BASICS on the barrel pattern for part four. ... (More)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Why go to a barrel horse trainer?
If you are new to barrel racing, you can learn in a few months some of the most valuable training and competing tips from a trainer, that could take you years on your own. Also, a trainer can teach your horse 5 days in a row, they learn more that ... (More)
Monday, September 25, 2006
My mare doesn't want to leave the other horses, what do I do?
FBH.com reader says, "I haul to Florida High School Rodeos with 3 other girls. Our horses are kept together for the most part, when it comes time to leave the other horses my horse doesn't want to. I try to leave before my run but she becomes very antsy, hot ... (More)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
NO EXCUSE FOR HORSE ABUSE IN BARREL RACING
People lose their minds sometimes in barrel racing competition I am sure of it. I spent this weekend at 2 races with over 120+ at each show. I have to say for the most part, people love their horses and the sport, but their is always that one person, that ... (More)
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Part 3 of 6 in 90 days to a better barrel horse
Now that you have done parts 1 and 2, ground work and establishing cues on the ground and in the saddle. You have established control of the horse from head to tail, it's time to add some fun exercises like bending and body collection. All six parts will improve your ... (More)
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Indoor Arenas, Timing and Position
Does your horse not fire indoors, do you go by first and not run deep enough to 2nd and 3rd barrels? Why is indoor barrel racing so different then outdoor barrel racing? ... (More)
Monday, August 28, 2006
WHEN WINNING MATTERS
I had purchased a great book a long time ago and forgot I had it, it got me thinking. It is a training manual for the rodeo athlete and competitive horseman. I have to say it is awesome, geared to our mental game in barrel racing and we all know ... (More)
Monday, August 14, 2006
NO RATE TO FIRST BARREL
FBH.com reader says her horse has no rate to first barrel faster then a lope. "I have a 5 year old bay mare that I have been training for over one year to barrel race. I started with ground work on to barrels. We have done very good in barrel ... (More)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Part 2 of getting a barrel horse ready!
Part One was about lungeing and getting the horse's attention, respect and sacking them out. We worked them to the left and right and forward and backwards at different speeds. Part Two will be getting the horse's body broke loose with light cues from head to the tail, from the ... (More)
Monday, July 31, 2006
How do you free a horse up?
FBH.com reader wants to know how to free up their horse. She feels her horse wants to turn so bad that she doesn't run between the barrels. There is a FUN exercise you can try. Of course as with any exercise I suggest, try it once then compete and see ... (More)
Monday, July 24, 2006
TLC Clinic was fun and successful but one student has more questions.
TLC Clinic at Fiddlers Green in Altoona was successful and fun with 10 teams to work with. One of the students that came from N. Ft Myers emailed me to thank me for the clinic, what she learned and to ask a few more questions. So I will answer them ... (More)
Friday, June 30, 2006
I have lost my confidence, what do I do now?
FBH.com reader says she was placing in the 2D on a 4D format and finally had a couple of 1D runs when tragedy hit. Her last couple of runs she has been hitting barrels and losing control of her horse, what am I doing wrong, I feel like I am ... (More)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Colt Starting 101
Today most people are raising there own barrel horses. We are breeding for bloodlines known to win in the barrel racing arena. It's great as we know the horse doesn't come to us with baggage, if we raise them ourselves. But, if you don't know someone to start your colt ... (More)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Riding down your horse emotionally after your run!
FBH.com reader wants to know the best way to cool a horse down after your competitive run. Great question, not only is it a great idea to cool them down for their muscles and tendons. It's also good for their minds as well. On a finished seasoned horse often times ... (More)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Tie downs, Martingales, when and why should I use them?
FBH.com reader wants to know, "I see so many horses with martingales and tie downs competing how do you know when to use them and how to adjust them properly?" ... (More)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
My horse is a green barrel horse, he turns with his shoulder, taking forever!
FBH.com reader has a green barrel horse that she is riding and says she noticed in her pictures her horse is turning with his shoulder, not using his hindend. It takes him forever to make a turn as it takes him so long to get back under himself to leave ... (More)
Friday, May 05, 2006
My horse bends and wraps great, but how can I get her to be snappy and faster?
FBH.com reader says her horse is bendy and wraps the barrels, but she would like her to be snappy and faster leaving the barrels. What exercises can she do to improve that? ... (More)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Need help with my stop, backing and it's our first year competing?
FBH.com reader says in about two weeks they are going to their first show. She is worried he will be spooky and wonders if she should just ride him around and not enter? Also, she feels her horse doesn't have a good whoa on him or back up, how can ... (More)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Rope/barrel Horse-what bit will give me lift and control in competition?
FBH.com reader says, "I have a rope/barrel horse that I ride in a 3-piece port w/roller, leverage bit as he has a busy mouth. But, he is leaning into the turns, with shoulder down and in around the barrels, he has rate but is on his front end in the ... (More)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
HELP, I am falling out of my saddle????
FBH.com reader says, I have been barrel racing 13 years and now all of a sudden I can't stay in my saddle, I have a new horse, I tried different saddles, but I just can't seem to hang on. My legs won't stay behind me and I am falling forward ... (More)
Sunday, April 23, 2006
My horse roll backs her turns competing and hits barrels, what should I do?
FBH.com reader says, her horse does roll backs around the barrels and hits barrels if she is not in the right spot going in and coming out. The mare runs very hard to them, does not flex or bend around them, just sits and spins. What do you suggest to ... (More)
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Treeless Saddles, what is your opinion?
FBH.com reader wants to know my opinion on treeless saddles? She has heard some love them, some won't use them. She wants to know what effect they could have on her horse? ... (More)
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
18 year old X barrel horse, how do I leg up and race again?
FBH.com reader says she is leasing an 18 year old x-barrel racing horse and would like to leg her up and barrel race again. She is very hyper and that she is gate sour and the old owners use to just run her in the arena. How can she get ... (More)
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
My 7 year old mare won't open up and run barrels, what should I do?
FBH.com reader says her 7 year old mare has been running barrels for one year, but she won't open up and run the barrel pattern. She can take her and breeze her in the field and she does just fine. It's in the pen or arena she slows down. We ... (More)
Friday, March 17, 2006
My horses hocks are fusing, do you know what it is and how to care for it?
FBH.com reader says, "My 8 year old mare's hocks are fusing, have your heard of this and do you know what I can give her and how long it will last?" ... (More)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
www.jesuslovescowgirls.com
If you are a god loving cowgirl, you will love this website. It's based out of Colorado and they have a mailing list for their newsletter as well. One prayer they offer is this cowgirls, "Heavenly Father... ... (More)
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Georgia Western Pleasure Horse turning barrels and weaving poles
Georgiabarrelhorse.com reader says, "I think my western pleasure horse is getting good at barrels and poles, we ran 24 second poles this weekend. I have many questions can you help?" ... (More)
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Another Alley Way Issue
FBH.com reader says, "What do I do at shows when my horse is in the exhibition line and acts up when it's time to go in the arena and you are bumper to bumper horses?" ... (More)
Monday, February 27, 2006
My horse won't run in covered or indoor arenas?
FBH.com reader wants to know how to get her horse to run as competitively indoors as outdoors? I have some suggestions for her. Any horse can be trained to do better indoors, but horses do have their favorite arena and pattern conditions. ... (More)
Monday, February 27, 2006
Our horse rears in alleyway and fell over on my husband, what can we do?
FBH.com reader says their daughter rides this horse in NBHA and Florida Junior Rodeo. He is a 10 year old gelding that runs 3D times, but is rearing in the alley way, chute/pen and flipped over recently on her husband. Luckily, no one was hurt yet. They say his pattern ... (More)
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Thanks FBH.com readers for all your tips! Here is an update.
This is Tina of Tina's Tips, asking for help from FBH.com readers. I have a horse that ties up. It seems like it's caused by hormones and change of season, spring or fall. I have dealt with it for three years and I am exhausted by it. I need help. ... (More)
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Help, I have a 7 year old x-futurity mare that has a first barrel problem?
I bought this mare one year ago, and did not know she had a first barrel problem, she was 1D and I don't know how to fix her problem, I have tried so many things, can you help? ... (More)
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
What's the best way to keep your barrel horse sound for years?
A FloridaBarrelHorses.com reader wants to know the best way to keep her horse's legs and body sound to compete healthy for years to come? ... (More)
Sunday, January 29, 2006
I have a 9 year old gelding that overflexes when he runs barrels?
Email reader wants to know how to stop her 9 year old gelding from overflexing in the turn? They have trotted, loped, stopped and backed at barrels to get him to gather but at full speed you'd think he was a flexi-straw she says. ... (More)
Thursday, January 26, 2006
When should you ride one hand or two hands?
Email reader asked, "I see some barrels racers run awesome patterns and they ride one handed through the whole pattern and others do great running two hands between and go to the horn, which is the best way?" Great question, click on to read my answer. ... (More)
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Texas A&M study on barrel horse lameness
Taking the brunt of barrel racing? 118 horses over a three year study brought to the Texas A&M Univerisity showed interesting results for lameness in the barrel horse. ... (More)
Monday, January 09, 2006
My horse blows out of turns and sticks his head up to get away from me.
Email reader says, "He is a 6 year old gelding that was a futurity horse that could run 1D times, another person bought him and the daughter could not ride him, he ran off with her too. I have done slow work with him, he is sound, slow exhibition barrels ... (More)
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Minerals, Vitamins and Salt???????
Did you know that if you free feed loose trace minerals, your horse will stop eating when they get enough salt but may not get enough minerals? ... (More)
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Frustrated at your wits end? Or just want to know your horse better?
Toni Trimble from TEXAS, www.angelhandranch.com, is a medical intuitive. She is a medium and does readings on horses, animals and people. So if you are ever confused and want to know your animals better. Wonder if your gut instincts about them are right, call her? ... (More)
Friday, December 23, 2005
My horse is shouldering 2nd and 3rd barrels?
Email reader says, "My horse has been shouldering 2nd and 3rd barrel, mostly third. I try and push her by as she is a "push" horse, but I might need a new bit or I might be riding her wrong? She tries hard, is very independent, just wants to do ... (More)
Monday, November 21, 2005
Why I do clinics and why my business is called TLC, by Tina Spangler
After seeing abuse inside and outside the arena with people who didn't know better ways, or how to know if horse was hurting, never blaming themselves but always the horse, I just couldn't take it anymore. I decided if I could help one horse or one rider it would make ... (More)
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Which leg if any to use in a turn?
Gail asks; "I have a 7 yr old barrel horse that I raised from a colt and I have been training. I have taken him very slow and he is very responsive, bends at the polls and side passes. He's wanting to go faster to the first barrel, but when ... (More)
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
What do we do if our horse ducks off after turning first barrel, breaking pattern?
Email reader asked, "My horse is 12, I bought him as a trail horse, knowing he use to barrel race. He had lameness issues with poor feet, but with proper feed, care, vet and farrier he is 100% sound now. A novice rider girl is riding him and in exhibition ... (More)
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
My horse shuts down behind first barrel, how can I fix this?
Email reader writes, "I have been barrel racing for 5 years, my horse use to hit barrels, then I started going to left barrel first. So before I left for youth world in July he was doing better, except for shutting down behind first barrel now. I have tried other ... (More)
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Value of Crusing on a Loose Rein
Have you ever seen horses loping circles on loose reins and other riders are holding on with a death grip? Barrel horses can get hot quick and with their bloodlines and occupation training them to be responsible for the speed you put them at on a loose rein can be ... (More)
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Why should I score the alley way and do slow exhibitions?
Whether you are riding a novice barrel horse or seasoned barrel horse, gating your horse and stopping at your rate stops to relax and slow exhibitions can benefit your performance and times. ... (More)
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
My horse runs off at first barrel, do you have any advice?
Hi I m re-training my young horse from a workmen bit to a snaffel I took a whole month off barrel racing to break it in easy and now its time for rodeo season to start and I'm scared she's going to go back to her old tricks and run ... (More)
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Winning at what costs?
Client came to my house for a lesson and told me their last trainer bit the horse up for hours and put them in this harsh head gear. This horse did not need any of that. It needed a dentist and it's basics. I was very sad for the horse ... (More)
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Would your training tips help my Warmblood in Dressage?
Email reader from Trinity, Florida asks if going around a barrel or pole would help her in the dressage arena? Would your training tips help my Warmblood? Click on the blue for my answer. ... (More)
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Where do I line up for first barrel in the alleyway? What about rubber banding your feet in?
Barrel Racer from Fiddler's Green Arena asked a couple of questions, "Where is the best place to take off from the alleyway to go to a first barrel right turn? Is it safe to rubber band my feet into my stirrups to barrel race? ... (More)
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Ground Conditions
Things to consider when barrel racing in Florida Ground. Most pens in Florida are very deep sand. With the luxury of having one or two choices a weekend of arenas to compete at conditions can change quickly and so can the need for your timing and rate on your barrel ... (More)
Thursday, August 25, 2005
"What are your suggestions for bits in each stage of training a horse?"
Brooksville Barrel Racer emailed me with this question; "I have been noticing at races that people ride in such a wide variety of bits, tie downs, etc. What are your suggestions for bits in each stage of training a horse?" Read on for more.... ... (More)
Monday, August 08, 2005
How do I keep my horse's butt from swinging out in the turns?
Email reader from Altoona asked, "How do I keep my horse's butt from swinging out in the turns?" I answered back that no harsher bits or short cuts can fix a lack of good horsemanship. To go back to her basics and the slow pattern work and I will suggest ... (More)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Abused Horses
When I started my training business it was to help riders learn horsemanship and a kinder, gentler way to work with their horses. Nothing warms my heart more then hearing stories about horses that have been saved from a rough life and given a better life. A life all nobel, ... (More)
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Does your horse RUBBER NECK and lose his forward motion in the turns?
Tampa Barrel Racer asks, "How do I get my horse to stop rubber necking in the turns and stalling out?" ... (More)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Reader asked, "What should I do if my barrel horse gets nervous when I saddle him?"
Email reader asked a very good question, "Hi, I just got a new barrel horse and when I go to saddle him, he gets real nervous and won't stand still for me to saddle him, what should I do?" Click on to read my answer for her, this process I ... (More)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Reader emails me about HORSE PURCHASE GOES BAD, for her kids, HORSE TRADERS, UGH!
There are not to many things that sadden me as much as a person not revealing a horse's real problems when selling them. This reader has had bad dealings and her daughter had even suffered broken ribs riding. But like most parents, they want the best for their kids, living ... (More)
Friday, July 15, 2005
SPECIAL SUMMER CARE for Florida horses is a DAILY MUST
The winter's of Colorado were rough, but nothing compared to the upkeep on our horse's in the summer in hot, humid southern states. I have found a few products that make my life easier in the summer and keep my horses looking good. ... (More)
Friday, July 08, 2005
What Basics ALL horses should have before they ever go around the barrels!
How often have you been to a barrel race and seen horses refuse to go in an alleyway or one break a pattern, maybe even buck or a rider fall off? More commonly you might see a rider jerk all over a horse's head, or hit a barrel, what can ... (More)
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Dog Days of Summer and getting your riding in!
In the Dog Days of Summer, it can seem impossible to stay motivated to ride, but here are some ideas to keep you going. ... (More)
Thursday, June 30, 2005
What do you do if your horse is TOO setty, but doesn't hit barrels?
An emailed question from a barrel racer in Florida, asked, "What do you do if your horse is to setty, does not shoulder, or hit barrels, but loses time rating too early? Rider says, was open 1D in her futurity days, six years old now and she has her AQHA ... (More)
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Chelsea in Orgeon asked for training exercises to practice during the week
Chelsea in Orgeon is only 12 years old, riding a buckskin quarter horse in gymknana events like barrels and poles. "She wants to know what type of slow training and easy tips can I give her to help her during the week to keep her horse tuned up?" ... (More)
Monday, June 27, 2005
Trailer Loading 101
Something most barrel racers don't think about on our older horses, until we start hauling a youngin' with us or a client or friend's horse. What is the best way to load a horse? I will give you some suggestions that work for me. ... (More)
Monday, June 27, 2005
Novice Riders and Novice, Horses Part I
Most people would recommend that the Novice Rider buy a "babysitter", seasoned barrel horse, to teach them the ropes and help them to gain confidence. Most of my clients are novice riders and most want me to train their horse for barrels. I happily take the challenge but explain the ... (More)
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Time Lines for the Barrel Horse from Beginning to End
I was emailed and asked this question a couple of times: When will my horse be ready to compete and when will we be a solid winning team?" I will try in this article to give you some time frames that are realistic. ... (More)
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Holistic Care for Horses
Dr. Peggy Fleming from Brooksville, 352-583-2400, and Dr. Carla Pasteur, 352-362-0074 care for many barrel horses in Florida, mine included. They are vets with continuing education in chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathic medicines and chinese herbs. ... (More)
Saturday, May 28, 2005
What is Horsemanship?
Communication between horse and human equals Horsemanship if it can be obtained in the right way. If you ask 5 vets for their opinions about how to treat a horse you might get 5 different answers, the same with shoers and the with horse trainers! Who is right? ... (More)
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Removing the bit from the horse's mouth
It's important to teach your horse to drop their head from light poll pressure from your hand. This aids in putting on a bit and taking it off. ... (More)
Thursday, May 12, 2005
The Happy Barrel Horse
How do you keep your horse walking down the alley, wanting to TRY their best every time they run? ... (More)
Friday, March 25, 2005
Novice Rider/Novice Horse, PART II
There are exercises a rider can do away from the barrels to tune on a finished horse, without over working the barrel pattern. I also mentioned a rider needs muscle memory, but to much pattern work can bore or sour a barrel horse, so I will also give you some ... (More)
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
From Hauling Down the Road to Routine Care - Dr Malone's Persepective
Dr Malone suggests you should know your horse's vital signs under normal none-stressful conditions. Horse's tempature should range from 99.5 to 101.5, heart beats per minute range from 28-40, breaths per minute range 8 to 20 and gums should be pink to pale pink and refill after finger pressure within ... (More)