Thursday, May 07, 2009
How do I get my horse to finish his turns and have more speed out of them?
"Ask Tina" Question:
How do I get my horse to finish his turns and have more speed out them?
"Ask Tina" Answer:
Great Question! Using your outside leg and rein at the exit of the turn/spot 3 is how you get a snappy finish and power out of your turn. By using your outside leg you are asking the horse to straighten his outside shoulder. Then by going to your outside rein quickly this will allow you to keep your lines very straight heading for your next barrel. If a horse straightens quickly at the exit/spot 3, the horse's body alignment is in it's most powerful mode, straight ready to push off it's hind end and reach with it's front end to sprint as the quarter horse is meant to do, quickly to the next spot in your barrel run.
This would not be a good cue to use on a horse that hits barrels leaving, but a great cue for a bendy type, 4 wheel drive type horse that needs more snap and straightening leaving the barrel. Some horses don't leave quickly or straight due to rider's being on their face too long with inside rein, or sitting 1 stride to long, not getting up quickly. Be aware that your riding is not causing the slow turns or bad lines between barrels. Also in practice go in to the turn one speed slower and at the exit speed up one speed to remind your horse what is expected from them.
I generally speaking depending on the horse use inside leg going into the turn to remind to hold pocket/position and bend the rib cage in the turn, and outside leg on the exit to remind to finish straight and quick. Of course each horse's sensitivity and style modifies the final cues.
Troubleshooting, be careful, not to rush the backside of the turn/spot 2 or you will risk starting other bad habits, like blowing out of turns, lack of rate and such. Make sure you ask at spot 3 the exit only, as your horse's head is heading to the next barrel or alley way.
Thanks for the question
Tina Spangler
www.tlcbarrelhorsetraining.com
