Horses!!!!!!!!

[WRanch]

Should I mention that I only have 12 equines? Almost all are rescues.
1 TB gelding
1 Reg breedstock mare
1 TB/QH mare (30 yrs young)
1 Reg Morgan mare
1 Reg straight Egyptian Arabian gelding
3 mustangs (2 off the range, 1 born in my backyard) 1 gelding & 2 mares
1 stunted horse cross mare
1 mini gelding
1 pony mare
1 cross, not sure what she is exactly yet, but has great high leg action, so possibly Paso or Hackney cross filly.

I guess I can't attach photo's yet...sorry.

 

[CLSranch]

When you can let us see.

 

[ChickenLover200]

Any tips from those who do barrels? This is somethingi want to do, but my ol' mare is just that... Old. So i wont be doing any barrels anytime soon, BUT do you all have tips on what to look for in a barrel horse?

WRanch, wow! You have a lot of horses. I only have a QH mare and a mini stud

 

[CLSranch]

Do you have any play days around the house? I know some of the arena's here have kids days showdeos etc. You could hang out around them meet new people that are either getting into it or have been there and their kids are getting started could help you a lot. Also if someone has a pole or barrel horse and are getting older and wanting to upgrade their horse they may want to sell the current one to pay for the other. Which would make a good starter for you.

 

[CLSranch]

Also just being broke is a biggie. A big fast horse doesn't get you around a barrel faster if it doesn't go around the barrel.

 

[ChickenLover200]

Do you have any play days around the house? I know some of the arena's here have kids days showdeos etc. You could hang out around them meet new people that are either getting into it or have been there and their kids are getting started could help you a lot. Also if someone has a pole or barrel horse and are getting older and wanting to upgrade their horse they may want to sell the current one to pay for the other. Which would make a good starter for you.

Thanks for the tips!
Unfortunately, i dont know anyone who has play days. Theplace ivolunteer at used to take their therapeutic horses to a fair, but i dont think theydothat anymore.
Everyone thati know thinks im nuts for wantingtodo a speedevent. Lol

 

[CLSranch]

My horses are for pleasure or working cows. I was thrilled to take them and join in on the chuckwagon races.

 

[chicken19]

Any tips from those who do barrels? This is somethingi want to do, but my ol' mare is just that... Old. So i wont be doing any barrels anytime soon, BUT do you all have tips on what to look for in a barrel horse?

WRanch, wow! You have a lot of horses. I only have a QH mare and a mini stud

I won reserve champion on my local circuit and won 3D in a out of town barrel race.
The best barrel horses have a big stride and a steady canter. They should be able to turn fast and not be hard (hard to turn). If you ride around in a round pen you should be able to drop the reins and use your legs to keep the horse on the fence. A good barrel horse can go from a walk to a fast canter and then a stop very quickly.
Usually paints and quarter horses are the best.
Long hips are sought after because they help the horse get more speed. When it comes to long backs and short backs the all seem to get round if they are well trained.
There are specific barrel horse bloodlines that produce winners more than other quarter horse or paint bloodlines. Some of them are Streakin Six, Dash for Cash, and some reining/cutting bloodlines.
Good Luck!

 

[chicken19]

Quote: Maybe join a local riding club. Look for one that does western. Chances are that you'll find someone that barrel races!

 

[Bigwig]

What is this horse thinking?