As the new year starts, we are off to many races, I get the questions often about leg wraps, liniments and poultices. To use them or not?
For starters, one of the most important considerations is that your trailer is safe and comfortable for your horse. Have you checked the trailer floor underneath the mats recently, to see what kind of condition it is in? If it is a steel trailer, are there any places that are beginning to rust that could be dangerous to your horse? Check the door latches and hinges to be sure they are in good working condition and no water leaks in when it rains. Are the tires in good shape? When was the last time the brakes were checked and the bearings packed? Do all the trailer lights work properly? These are all things that need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure the safety of your horse.
When hauling, we offer our horses a drink of water about every four hours. You may want to carry water from home with you to encourage him to drink.
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by: Lyndee Stairs, December 2012
Barrel racing sounds easy... right?
Just three barrels and the object is to get around them quickly. Should be easy. But, not always so.
They call your name and suddenly, not so easy.
You can just get so nervous that you forget what to do. Or, all the best barrel racers are there and you don’t feel like you stand a chance. Or, it seems like you just keep making the same mistakes. Frustration takes over.
by: Lyndee Stairs, October 2012
What do you do when your horse shoulders, slices, fades, steps in, dives or otherwise cuts off your pocket?
Some barrel horses are just born wanting to turn the barrel, almost to much. But, remember horses don’t hit barrels on purpose, it is something we have trained them to do.
by: Lyndee Stairs, November 2012
Does your barrel horse swing his hindquarters away from the turn, losing precious time?
Let me tell you, you will shave precious seconds off your time by running straight to the side of each barrel. Don’t ever forget, straighter is shorter and a shorter distance is always faster. Straighter will allow for your horse to use his rear end more and have a quicker, snappier turn.