How to Train a Good Barrel Horse

Barrel racing could be an exciting sport for you and your horse, whether you plan to hit the rodeo circuit or just have fun at local shows. In order to succeed in barrel racing, a horse must have a strong foundation in basic training, along with good balance and plenty of speed. Training a horse begins with an emphasis on the fundamentals.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Bridle
  • Saddle
  • Barrels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the horse has a strong background in regular riding and bending before starting any type of speed training. Before entering barrel training, the horse should be able to walk, trot and canter on a loose rein, and to stop quickly with voice commands alone.

    • 2

      Trot the horse in large, sweeping circles to stretch out his muscles and get him warmed up and ready for further work. Encourage the horse to stretch out and extend his trot, but do not allow him to break into a canter. Work the horse in both directions to loosen, warm and build up his muscles on both sides.

    • 3

      Place several cones in the ring or arena and work the horse around the cones at a walk and then a trot. Practice bending the horse around your leg as you approach the cones. To begin bending the horse, place your inside leg against him to help him balance, while picking up slightly on the outside rein and tilting the inside rein in the direction of travel.

    • 4

      Work the horse in ever-smaller circles around the cones, keeping the horse balanced as the circles get smaller. When the horse is moving around the cone smoothly and in balance, slowly begin expanding the circle, then making it smaller again. Make this exercise part of the horse's regular training regimen, but limit the amount of time you spend to 5-10 minutes per session.

    • 5

      Set the barrels up in a triangular pattern in the arena. Work the horse around the barrels at a walk and then a trot. Focus on large sweeping circles around the barrels at first, slowly working down to a smaller circle that moves fluidly around the barrel. Wait until the horse is moving fluidly and in good balance before asking for additional speed at the trot or asking for a canter and then a gallop.