How to Calm a Barrel Horse at the Gate

Barrel horse racing is a popular rodeo event where horses are ridden around barrels placed inside an arena. Often, barrel race horses can become nervous or agitated at the gate. Like students before a big test, horses can become stressed before a barrel race. If you're a novice rider and have experienced your horse's hesitation at the gate, here are some ways you can calm your horse.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Walk your horse in a circle near the gate. Stay about 50 feet from the entrance to the arena. Keep your gaze on the gate. This will help direct your horse gently in that direction.

2. Ride in a loose, comfortable fashion while performing step one. Hold the reins loosely or, if your horse anticipates the race when you hold the reins in both hands, hold them in only one hand.

3. Get closer and closer to the gate. Start to face the horse in that direction while you are making your circle. If the horse starts to balk, regain control by taking the reins in two hands and directing him forward, keeping your eyes on the gate.

4. Direct the horse through the gate and into the arena. Reward him by talking gently and rubbing his neck. Keep yourself relaxed. Horses can sense when a person is anxious or excited; keeping yourself calm will help to calm him as well.

5. Steer the horse to the barrels, let him stand there for a moment and then walk away. Repeat this several times until the sight of the barrels does not get the horse agitated or nervous.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the horse used to the arena by walking him through it before the race without the barrels.
• Sometimes a barrel horse will get agitated at the gate due to health issues. Check the horse's teeth and hooves for any signs of discomfort.
• Ride the same way in the race as you did when introducing the horse to the gate and arena. The horse will sense any change and become nervous if he feels you are not as relaxed as before.