Transitioning a BArrel Racer to English Riding

[walktrotcanter]

Any tips for transitioning a very nice, safe and sound ex-barrel racer to english saddle, snaffle, and english style of riding? Thanks! Trainer can't get to her until the spring and I don't want her to lose shape over the winter so I thought I'd just practice flat work and transition her over to the new riding style. Anything I should be aware of or helpful hints? :rolleyes:

[Shadowlark]

You will probably find you have a very fast transition :) Bit and saddle should be no problem.

The one thing to watch for are what I call hot spots.. Barrel horses are encouraged to go fast, turn tight and be hot ;) So watch out if you are entering an arena mounted, or there are barrel's around. It's unlikely she will just go, but just the same be aware and prepared. Also check her brakes at all gaits - some barrel horses have serious break issues due to lack of training, that's why so many of them are grossly over bitted and tied down.

Otherwise ride her like you would any other horse, western horses are started with direct rein preassure, so going to an "english" style will be really easy for her.

Enjoy her! and Hey take her to a local Gymkhana sometimes.. You will probably both enjoy the change of pace, barrel racing is a riot and is a great change of pace from english schooling for you both!

[walktrotcanter]

:D Thanks so much! I am terribly excited now...In terms of her "brakes," I learned that the hard way!!! She has this immediate stop that really caught me off guard the other day. But, now that I know - it is better to have fast brakes than no brakes at all, right?

Yes, she is waaaaaay over collected and I think that comes from being over-bitted and tied down. She pratically touches her chest with her chin and I don't even know why....I'm slowly encouraging her to relax the neck a bit more.

Question - she grinds her teeth as we enter the arena, but as soon as I try to cue her and tell her to relax with my seat and a few pats, she eventually stops. It seems to be only as we enter the arena mounted. Is that a barrel thing?:rolleyes:

[Shadowlark]

Yup she is looking to GO.. excitemnet.. anticipation.. breaking into a sweat maybe even a little Yo-Yoing are pretty normal traits for horses have raced a lot. The over bent thing is classic Tie down. I can't stand the things myself, it will take some real work to get her out of that and sort out her poor neck muscles form wearing it. But not impossible!

The stop thing could be a load of fun.. next time you are riding at a canter, drop your tail bone into the seat suddenly and say whoa, loud and clear at the same time I bet she drops and slides.
If you are up to a real adventure and have a good solid seat, do that then look where you want to go touch the outside rein to the side of her neck and give her a nudge with your outside leg, and I bet she will roll back for you. It's a VERY powerful move and the well trained ones will go fast so be ready to go with her!!