on 1/24/2007
Whenever you are about to turn (barrels or poles) , do not forget to sit deep in your seat. This will cue your horse to sit his hindquarters too.
on 8/8/2006
When you first enter the arena, don't immediately take off as you enter. Make your horse trot a small circle, then go ahead and do your run. On your way back, don't run directly to the gate. Steer your horse to another part of the arena and then slow him and ride him back when he is calm, or get off and walk him back. If for some reason you are just sitting on your horse in the arena, don't let him stand by the gate. That will cause them to get sour, so they always want to leave. Also, sometimes it would be good to work your horse outside of the arena. You don't want your horse to think that hard work only happens in the arena.
When you're riding, try to talk to your horse sometimes. It calms them if they're worked up. And if you talk to your horse enough, some people say they will understand your voice and will perform better!
on 8/8/2006
I always say "whoa" or "hup" or "easy" when I want my horse to rate himself. It really helps and he doesn't turn wide anymore. Just make sure when you cue him not to let him stop. That really ruins the run.
on 7/29/2006
Make sure when you are weaving through poles you are changing into the correct leads each time. Running at top speeds in the wrong lead can permanently hurt a horse.
on 7/25/2006
Whenever poles were coming up I would always be so nervous. I knew that my horse could do it, but I was holding her back. I wanted to win, so I just told my horse and myself let's go and have fun, and it worked! I came in first.
Another thing is to talk to the horse the whole way through, and use your legs!
on 7/10/2006
When I go to turn I always check my horse up when I get to the second to last pole. That way he has time to slow down and be ready to turn. Also, when you turn around the end poles, put pressure on the horse with the inside leg, so your horse doesn't duck into the pole.
on 6/30/2006
When you first enter the arena, don't immediately take off as you enter. Make your horse trot a small circle, then go ahead and do your run. On your way back, don't run directly to the gate. Steer your horse to another part of the arena and then slow him and ride him back when he is calm, or get off and walk him back. If for some reason you are just sitting on your horse in the arena, don't let him stand by the gate, that will cause them to get sour, so they always want to leave.
Also, sometimes it would be good to work your horse outside of the arena, because you don't want your horse to think that hard work only happens in the arena. When you're riding, try to talk to your horse sometimes. It calms them if they're worked up, and if you talk to your horse enough some people say they will understand your voice and will perform better!
on 6/30/2006
I always say "whoa" or "h'up" or "easy" when I want my horse to rate himself. It really helps and he doesn't turn wide anymore. Just make sure when you cue him not to let him stop. That really ruins the run.
on 4/3/2006
Make sure that your hands are soft and that he's not fighting the bit. That will result in his throwing his head to the outside, away from the pole and he will not concentrate on the pattern. Often times when this happens I see riders jerking the reins, trying to pull the face back in line. That never works, and more often than not he ends up plowing into one or more poles. When practicing at home, teach him the pattern with repetitive runs at a walk, then trot, then lope, making sure he rests between runs. I never run a wide open pattern more than twice, if that, and I always make that my last exercise before cooling down. Avoid repetition and vary the workouts so that he doesn't grow sour. Sometimes it's good to just go out on a hack and let him do what he wants. He'll love it and it keeps him happy.
on 3/6/2006
Once I was running the poles and would have had a really great time, but my big feet had to get in the way. On my 9th turn, I forgot to tuck my feet and my right 9 1/2 size foot got in the way and knocked the pole. Always keep your feet tucked in to the horses side, it helps. Also, don't whip your horse in the arena at all because it will result in a horse unwilling to go in an arena and maybe even being ridden. Plus, whipping your horse will not shave seconds of the clock. It may seem like you're going faster, but that's only because you are doing more and moving quickly. The reality is that whipping will not speed your horse up. If your horse is reluctant to enter the arena, don't whip and spur him; get off and walk him in. It's that simple. Turn your horse to the rail once you get in the arena and when you're ready to run, turn him and cue him to go. This teaches them not to burst out from under you; you're the driver, not the car. Stay in control. So remember, keep your feet in, don't whip your horse, stay in control, and have fun.
on 11/22/2005
Be sure to rate your horse at the top pole or they won't turn. Always look were you want to go, if you're about to turn the bottom pole, turn your head around as you're turning and look for the next pole. Don't whip your horse! Whipping puts you out of position and won't make your horse run any faster. For that extra burst of speed, slap your horses neck with a flat hand and cluck to them. Don't forget to kick. Try not to blame your horse if you mess up. Just remember there's always the next rodeo!
on 11/22/2005
Between each of the poles your horse must cross the center line and switch leads to continue weaving the pattern. In order to do this, you want them to cross the line but remain as close to the poles as possible without knocking a pole (incurring a 5 second penalty). To cue the horse, I normally ride 2 handed and use a lot of leg aid. When you use your rein to cross to the right, you pull slightly back with your right rein and across the neck with the left. As you get smoother at this, your cue should remain smooth and swift, rather than jerky. Kind of a simultaneous side to side maneuver with both hands about even (knotted barrel reins help with this). As you make this rein move to the right you should use a voice cue and tap with your left leg (different pressure depending on the horse, bumper spurs may be helpful) and keep pressure until you pass the next pole. Reverse leg and rein ques for the left.
To make your end turns you should sit deeply in the saddle, keep your inside leg dug into the horse so they turn around your leg and pull with your inside hand. Some riders remain 2 handed through the ends, while others drop there outside hand to the saddle horn and bring it up to the rein as they come out of the turn. Do whatever feels more comfortable to you!
on 11/22/2005
if your horse is sour at the gate after you make your run stop turn arokung and get off and losen him up also when ever you are doing your slow work when weaving don't get so close to your poles that way when you make your run he'll know to stay off
Post this comment to my Facebook Profile
turn_n_burn75 said
on 1/24/2007 Whenever you are about to turn (barrels or poles) , do not forget to sit deep in your seat. This will cue your horse to sit his hindquarters too.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Don't turn too wide, because extra seconds are no good. But turning too tight knocks the pole down, and that is bad also.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 When you first enter the arena, don't immediately take off as you enter. Make your horse trot a small circle, then go ahead and do your run. On your way back, don't run directly to the gate. Steer your horse to another part of the arena and then slow him and ride him back when he is calm, or get off and walk him back. If for some reason you are just sitting on your horse in the arena, don't let him stand by the gate. That will cause them to get sour, so they always want to leave. Also, sometimes it would be good to work your horse outside of the arena. You don't want your horse to think that hard work only happens in the arena.
When you're riding, try to talk to your horse sometimes. It calms them if they're worked up. And if you talk to your horse enough, some people say they will understand your voice and will perform better!
Have fun with your horse! Good luck!
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I always say "whoa" or "hup" or "easy" when I want my horse to rate himself. It really helps and he doesn't turn wide anymore. Just make sure when you cue him not to let him stop. That really ruins the run.
Anonymous said
on 7/29/2006 Make sure when you are weaving through poles you are changing into the correct leads each time. Running at top speeds in the wrong lead can permanently hurt a horse.
Anonymous said
on 7/25/2006 Whenever poles were coming up I would always be so nervous. I knew that my horse could do it, but I was holding her back. I wanted to win, so I just told my horse and myself let's go and have fun, and it worked! I came in first.
Another thing is to talk to the horse the whole way through, and use your legs!
Anonymous said
on 7/10/2006 When I go to turn I always check my horse up when I get to the second to last pole. That way he has time to slow down and be ready to turn. Also, when you turn around the end poles, put pressure on the horse with the inside leg, so your horse doesn't duck into the pole.
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 When you first enter the arena, don't immediately take off as you enter. Make your horse trot a small circle, then go ahead and do your run. On your way back, don't run directly to the gate. Steer your horse to another part of the arena and then slow him and ride him back when he is calm, or get off and walk him back. If for some reason you are just sitting on your horse in the arena, don't let him stand by the gate, that will cause them to get sour, so they always want to leave.
Also, sometimes it would be good to work your horse outside of the arena, because you don't want your horse to think that hard work only happens in the arena. When you're riding, try to talk to your horse sometimes. It calms them if they're worked up, and if you talk to your horse enough some people say they will understand your voice and will perform better!
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 I always say "whoa" or "h'up" or "easy" when I want my horse to rate himself. It really helps and he doesn't turn wide anymore. Just make sure when you cue him not to let him stop. That really ruins the run.
Anonymous said
on 4/3/2006 Make sure that your hands are soft and that he's not fighting the bit. That will result in his throwing his head to the outside, away from the pole and he will not concentrate on the pattern. Often times when this happens I see riders jerking the reins, trying to pull the face back in line. That never works, and more often than not he ends up plowing into one or more poles. When practicing at home, teach him the pattern with repetitive runs at a walk, then trot, then lope, making sure he rests between runs. I never run a wide open pattern more than twice, if that, and I always make that my last exercise before cooling down. Avoid repetition and vary the workouts so that he doesn't grow sour. Sometimes it's good to just go out on a hack and let him do what he wants. He'll love it and it keeps him happy.
Anonymous said
on 3/6/2006 Once I was running the poles and would have had a really great time, but my big feet had to get in the way. On my 9th turn, I forgot to tuck my feet and my right 9 1/2 size foot got in the way and knocked the pole. Always keep your feet tucked in to the horses side, it helps. Also, don't whip your horse in the arena at all because it will result in a horse unwilling to go in an arena and maybe even being ridden. Plus, whipping your horse will not shave seconds of the clock. It may seem like you're going faster, but that's only because you are doing more and moving quickly. The reality is that whipping will not speed your horse up. If your horse is reluctant to enter the arena, don't whip and spur him; get off and walk him in. It's that simple. Turn your horse to the rail once you get in the arena and when you're ready to run, turn him and cue him to go. This teaches them not to burst out from under you; you're the driver, not the car. Stay in control.
So remember, keep your feet in, don't whip your horse, stay in control, and have fun.
Anonymous said
on 1/5/2006 I use both hands and switch from one hand to another, depending on what pole you are going around, but it is what makes a good run.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Be sure to rate your horse at the top pole or they won't turn. Always look were you want to go, if you're about to turn the bottom pole, turn your head around as you're turning and look for the next pole. Don't whip your horse! Whipping puts you out of position and won't make your horse run any faster. For that extra burst of speed, slap your horses neck with a flat hand and cluck to them. Don't forget to kick. Try not to blame your horse if you mess up. Just remember there's always the next rodeo!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Between each of the poles your horse must cross the center line and switch leads to continue weaving the pattern. In order to do this, you want them to cross the line but remain as close to the poles as possible without knocking a pole (incurring a 5 second penalty). To cue the horse, I normally ride 2 handed and use a lot of leg aid. When you use your rein to cross to the right, you pull slightly back with your right rein and across the neck with the left. As you get smoother at this, your cue should remain smooth and swift, rather than jerky. Kind of a simultaneous side to side maneuver with both hands about even (knotted barrel reins help with this). As you make this rein move to the right you should use a voice cue and tap with your left leg (different pressure depending on the horse, bumper spurs may be helpful) and keep pressure until you pass the next pole. Reverse leg and rein ques for the left.
To make your end turns you should sit deeply in the saddle, keep your inside leg dug into the horse so they turn around your leg and pull with your inside hand. Some riders remain 2 handed through the ends, while others drop there outside hand to the saddle horn and bring it up to the rein as they come out of the turn. Do whatever feels more comfortable to you!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 if your horse is sour at the gate after you make your run stop turn arokung and get off and losen him up also when ever you are doing your slow work when weaving don't get so close to your poles that way when you make your run he'll know to stay off