Ask Sharon

Dear Sharon, What would make my barrel horse stop on the backside of the barrel? I have had his teeth checked and changed bridles. This only happens on the first barrel and only when I add speed. Dear Giolisa, I have been in Panama and it is a beautiful country! There are actually many things that could cause your horse to approach the first barrel and stop or stall out on the backside of the turn. As long as you are sure your horse is sound, you must then make sure he is balanced. I would work through this issue with a...

Dear Sharon, I have a barrel horse that stiffens up when I run barrels. At slow speeds he flexes and does every thing correct. How can I get him to give his nose and remain soft and fluid when I am running him? Dear Cindy, You are experiencing a very typical and common problem. In a nut shell we “train and work” our horses soft and slow, rarely simulating the speed and pressure they will face in competition. The request for speed often allows our horses to become anxious, intimidated and loose confidence. Under pressure they assume an escape mode, become...

Dear Sharon, My nine year-old mare is making beautiful runs but is not running in-between the barrels or in the home stretch. I have tried spurs, whips; nothing seems to make a difference. I am competing in a short lifter and a tiedown. I have noticed one thing, a dramatic mood change in general, and especially around other horses. Is this related? Dear Cassandra, I have had the opportunity to work with you and watch you ride. Number one, be cautious how much you kick. Too much kicking could make your horse slow down.  With that said, I have several...

Dear Sharon, I am having trouble with my six year-old Quarter Horse mare on the 2nd barrel. She seems to want to wing her hind end out which makes the turn very choppy. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix it? By the way, I do have your book and I think it is really informative and easy to understand! Dear Cari, First off, make sure you are not rating too early into your 2nd barrel. Ride deep, with your leg parallel to the barrel before you sit and prepare for your rate sequence. At that time, remember...

Dear Sharon, I am a 14 year-old girl and have always dreamed of being a professional barrel racer. In the arena, my horse is having some trouble under the bit. My horse seems to do better with a gag snaffle, but I am not sure what I should be using. Would you have any suggestions to help me better control my horse when racing? Dear Victoria, Success begins in the practice arena, not the competition arena. Be sure your horse is controllable in his comfortable environment before subjecting him to the additional stress and stimulation of competition. Unfamiliar noises, large...