How to Train a Horse to Run

Barrel racing is like driving a race car in NASCAR--it gives the rider an adrenaline high. Training your horse to run barrels requires you to focus on three skills: stamina, agility and speed. Developing those skills requires weeks of riding before you even set up the first barrel. Rushing your equine may result in a an uncontrollable horse. The best barrel horses love to run, are over four years old, have mastered the basics, and possess a calm disposition. Teaching a horse to run barrels takes patience and determination.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 barrels or 6 poles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Warm the horse up by walking and jogging in both directions for about 10 minutes in each direction. Repeat each time you get on your horse to decrease chances of injury. It's like stretching before you work out.

    • 2

      Trot and canter in small circles around one-third the size of the average horse arena. Repeat in the opposite direction. Increase the amount of time spent on circles to develop stamina and some agility.

    • 3

      Arrange the barrels in the cloverleaf pattern or, if you choose, the six poles or cones in the pole bending pattern. Walk the pattern, circling each barrel twice.

    • 4

      Trot the pattern, circling each barrel twice. Focus on creating the perfect pocket and obedience when your horse gets excited. The pocket is the "sweet spot," for barrel racers. Located about a foot from the barrel, turning in the pocket allows the horse to turn quickly at top speed and a quicker time results. Repeat until the horse learns the pattern. Continue trotting and loping circles.

    • 5

      Get the horse out of the arena by going on trail rides. This keeps the horse from getting sour.

    • 6

      Lope the barrels, focusing hitting the perfect pocket. Circle the horse twice any time he gets too close to a barrel, knocks a barrel down, or gets out of control.

    • 7

      Start taking your horse to barrel racing shows such as the NBHA or IBRA. Exhibition the horse. Focus on keeping your horse calm around and in the arena. Trot or lope the pattern. When he remains calm throughout the day, increase your speed during exhibition.

    • 8

      Run the barrels with increasing speed at home. Keep trotting and loping circles. Continue to take the horse on trail rides.

    • 9

      Compete with the horse at shows and rodeos.