Money Barrel Talk

Steps for Approaching Your First Barrel

Line Up Properly: As you enter the alley, position yourself in the middle, lined up with your 3rd or more to the side that corresponds with your first barrel. If your first barrel is on the right, stay further to the right in the alley. Conversely, if it’s on the left, position yourself further to the left. This alignment helps keep your horse square and their hips underneath them. It also helps with setting them up to pick up the correct lead. When loping/running I aim to always be on the correct lead when approaching the first barrel. If your first barrel is a right-hand turn, you should start your approach on the right lead. If your first barrel is a left-hand turn, you should start your approach on the left lead.
Sit Square in the Saddle: Ensure you’re sitting squarely in the saddle as you approach. Your horse should be moving forward and free, without any unnecessary tension
Avoid Excessive Shaping: Don’t try to shape your horse too much as you approach the first barrel. Excessive pressure can cause them to lean into your hands and anticipate the turn. Instead, focus on keeping them fluid and progressing toward the barrel. Same thing goes with too much pressure on your outside rein on your approach. Try to avoid doing this. I make it a point to only shape them enough where I can see their inside eye and nostril.
Look Ahead: Keep your gaze beyond the first barrel—look towards the fence. This helps maintain a forward motion in your horse, allowing your hips and shoulders to remain open as they navigate the turn.
Establish Your Position: Continue guiding your horse around the barrel until you reach the 75% mark behind the barrel. Their feet should be moving forward the entire time, with their shoulders up and their hip underneath them. Good reminder, their back feet should track behind their front feet. Boca Brand Tip: Tail Follows Nose. Then roll your hips, shoulders and look to the next barrel while applying outside rein and leg pressure and opening the inside leg to ask the horse to follow through the turn. This positioning prepares them to finish the turn effectively. If your horse is anticipating the turn, pick their shoulders up and kick your feet to ask them for an extra step to insure the hip is clear before they turn.
Preparing for the Next Barrel: If you’re approaching a right-hand turn first, ensure your horse is well-positioned to over-finish that turn smoothly. They should be ready to pick up speed and shift to the left lead for the second barrel. Conversely, if you’re making a left-hand turn first, focus on over-finishing the left turn to transition quickly into the right lead for the second barrel.
Stay Fluid and Relaxed: The key to a successful first barrel turn is maintaining fluidity. Allow your horse’s feet to keep moving forward, while ensuring the shoulders remain picked up, moving forward, and relaxed throughout the process..