Do you mean that he doesn't turn tightly enough? If so, than slow down, even to a walk if you have to, around the barrels until he makes perfect turns, then speed up again.

Hope this helps! ;)

I have two types of barrel racers, both extremely fast, but my mare, is 16.1 hh, shes long legged and has a huge stride and shes got a long back, but then heres my gelding, 15.3 hh, compact, thick bodied and thick legged. I dont think it really matters, maybe go to some rodeos and look at the types of horses. I was just watching the Calgary Stampede and I saw one horse who was thinner boned than the rest, but got great time. :) its all about the heart --

I've seen several people out there barrel racing TBs with long necks and legs. As long as they run fast and balanced and have the heart to do it, I don't really think it matters what they look like. I have a POA. She looks cute running barrels but sometimes just doesn't have it in her to try. She's a good jumper but can run barrels with her little legs and fat body. Lol.

Hi Melissa! Pleased to meet you. Barrel racing is an exciting and competitive sport. I wanted to encourage you that the color of the barrel is not related to your horse’s behavior. Barrel racing is a very physically demand sport on our horses and they can easily become sore. Typically when a barrel horse stops working and starts displaying the type of behavior you described it’s because they hurt somewhere. Fix the soreness and they’ll go right back to work for you. Slow pattern drills to develop your horse’s confidence and where he’s to put his feet (or her) is very important. Make a conscious effort to evaluate exactly how, when, what you are doing at home verses at the show, the best tool you have is your ability to evaluate and reason. Living in California you have the advantage of Sharon Camarillo. She recently posted her 2009 clinic schedule, go to www.SharonCamarillo.com. I, so, appreciate Sharon’s approach because she’s a horseman first then a barrel racer. Yes, clinics are pricey but the education you come away with is worth every penny. There are many wonderful barrel racing videos in the market today. You can find them for approximately $20.00 is you shop around, some tack store even rent videos. A final thought…there is one thing that has without a doubt improved every horse that I’ve ever had the privilege of working with and that is my increased education of these magnificent animals. Keep learning and never give up! Good Luck!

Tracy Lee Mahan, www.TrackMyHorse.com

are you sure she's even "freaking out" cause my horse gets so worked up he just wants to run, but it seems like he's been spooked or something but he's just worked up.

I have two barrel horses for sale. One seven year old quarter horse and one 12 year old Paint horse.