Backside 360

Apply this drill when your horse needs to soften up on the backside of a turn.  If he is leaving too soon, blowing off and out of a turn or going by a turn.   You can do it at each barrel if there is a problem at each, otherwise just do the maneuver on the barrel...

3 360’s

A great training drill to get your your horse snappy, soft and responsive on the backside of the barrel.  Keeps them free moving into the turn, but locked on the turn helping to leave with power. How: Set your pattern up like a normal barrel racing pattern and add a...

Perfect Circle to a “T”

If you are looking for a fool proof way to obtain a perfect circle, here is a great place to start.  Some horses (and their riders) tend to be “circular challenged”.  This exercise will help you nail that perfect circle.   Perfect circles are really...

Arena Sprints

If your horse is a bit short in the arena (but will run like the wind outside the arena) you might try this sprinting drill in the arena. How: After you have your horse warmed up to a point it is safe to run him move to the edge of the arena.   Depending on the size...

Shoulder Up Backing – Counter Release

This gets a horse really soft in the face for backing, helps them become very aware of where their feet are and gets them very maneuverable.   Similar to hip in backing drill with a different release point. How: Before beginning, your horse should be good at backing...