Jetta with 35 rides. She is confident and consistent every ride, so I started to throw some barrel work into it. She took right to it and is a natural. I'll only do this 1-2 times a week, and it won't ever be the actual pattern and it won't be the whole training time, just a couple minutes. I just want her to gain confidence and for it to be easy for her so she enjoys it. Her future is very exciting and I'll make sure I do everything I can to prepare her for it! Jetta is so easy, and since she is bred to do this, it's like an instinct. Yes, any horse can be a barrel horse, but when they are bred to do it, just like a jumper or a Reiner.. these barrel horses basically already know what to do and you are along for the ride and to help them along the way. Trust me I am enjoying the ride!
LexiLou had a really nice 2D run today. For limited hauling, weather not allowing me much time in my personal arena and lack of time in general, she sure makes it rewarding to have a horse with as much try as her! This is only my 6th race I've made it too this year, the last one being middle of July. This is also only Lexi's 10 lifetime run, and she is already making me hold on tight! Love the grit and hustle of this girl. ❤️
Jenna's 6 year old gelding trotting barrels for the second time. He came for continuing foundation as he was a horse out in Kansas that tracked cattle but they did not teach him much more than basics; so he has been learning how to be soft and supple, loping, balance/self carriage and a good whoa. Snort is excelling well and improving every day, so as to introduce him into his future career, I use the barrel pattern to cool him down and only do the pattern once maybe twice depending on if he does it absolutely perfect the first time or not. I will further his education on the pattern when he is ready and will do other drills with the barrels and tires before moving much past where he is at. I thoroughly enjoy this gelding and he has been a pleasure to have in my barn. 😊
Just a few smiling horses 😁😬
Friday night jackpot poles. Even tho we had one go down, this is probably one of the smoothest runs Wylie has made. I kept my hands down and just worked his hips and he was so settled. He hasn't seen poles since the last show in April, and has never ran poles in this arena ( and he did try to go to where the left barrel would be, which is his first barrel, but I corrected him and he came back over). Very happy with how he is working. 😊
Lexi's barrel run yesterday. She ran very well for not seeing much of barrels over the past two months. A little hiccup around the 2nd. I need to find another saddle that fits her that I am comfortable running in as this one is more of just my practice one but is the only one that fits her wide build. I can't wait to see how she clocks in a few more runs!
I want to post this video because not all runs are pretty. Especially when hauling and seasoning a green patterned horse. Lexi is beginning to add speed and she went in there with all good intentions and her best effort. A mix of the footing not holding her due to the below freezing weather and not the right bit in my choice to help her stand up lead to a not so nice run. But I did not want to shut her down, I just wanted to get her back on track and let her go her pace to let her know to never give up and to keep trying! I am still so proud of her and I know she will make a kick ass barrel horse when all finished out. This was one "bad" run out of the 4 she has laid out for me so I'm not going to pick on her. We will take a few steps back these next few weeks, focus on the points where we are weak or lacking and regroup for next month. :) this mare really wants to work, you can notice I'm not really asking her to do much of anything, I am being a silent pilot and letting her pick her pace, her style and just helping her where she needs it. She is going to have a really cool gritty style.
Jetta's 6th ride looks very similar to most of the horses that go thru my ground work and starting under saddle program. Wouldn't you like to have your 2/3 year old ride confident and quiet like this? I thoroughly enjoy starting horses and giving them a firm basic foundation that will set them for anything their owner wants to chose are their discipline. My rates are very affordable, my facility is small and private giving me the best chance to spend extra quality time with you and your equine partner. Contact me today for a spot in my program !
Fun way I like to keep the horses in shape! The horses like the different exercise and I like watching how they are moving. I mainly focus on optimal natural long trot for them and watch closely to make sure they are tracking up and carrying everything right and not compensating anywhere without a saddle. Plus it's easy and fun for me too!
Wylie had a short break after this summers barrel races, I brought him back because I feel we have a lot more work and improvement to do. I came to this barrel race on Saturday with a plan for Wylie to have a better approach to the first barrel and my hands being more quiet with him. I reached my goal and had a smooth run. Hoping for a lot more runs like this. I am really beginning to see the end of the tunnel with seasoning this gelding! But we always have stuff we can improve on. I overall am very pleased with him. :)
LexiLou's third competition run! Things are coming together well on this mare. ☺
Jetta (KC Don't Take Bullying) my two year old had her first round pen session. Yes she turned into the roundpen, and I don't like that but today we focused more on forward movement and staying consistent all the way around. She definitely can cover some ground with those long legs!
