When running a trot and canter pattern for barrel racing, it's a good idea not to go too fast at first to avoid breaking into the canter. Start running trot and canter patterns with tips from a horseback riding instructor in this video on barrel racing.
Hi, I'm Teri Carter of Saddle Brick Stables in Castle Hayne, North Carolina and I'm going to talk to you today about how to do a trot and a canter on a barrel pattern. If you want to trot the barrel pattern which is probably a good idea if you're just introducing a horse to barrel racing; you'd probably want to make sure that your horse doesn't go too fast at the trot to avoid breaking into the canter. Another thing that you can do is you can post the trot to create a rhythm. That way the horse stays in rhythm with the trot and doesn't break into the canter; thus, going too fast and possibly scaring himself if he is new on the barrel pattern. In order to canter the barrel pattern, you want to make sure you're on the correct lead going around your barrels. Therefore your horse can stay balanced when you're going through your barrel pattern. If you are starting with the right barrel first, you want to begin on your right lead. You would cue with your left leg to go ahead and create a right lead canter to and around your barrel. On your right to your second barrel, you'd want to change leads and move to your left lead because you're going to be turning to the left on your barrel pattern. You'd want to move around your second barrel on the left lead. Going to the third barrel, you're also going to remain on the left lead and you can go around your barrel on your left lead and then continue on your left lead all the way past the finish line to create a good time. This is the importance and how to trot and canter a barrel pattern.
