Barrel racing is a tough sport for both rider and horse. Barrel horses are athletes who need to be in very good condition to run barrels. A horse that is not in good condition and started on barrels may ache and associate the pain with running barrels. This can lead to problems that are difficult to correct.
If you plan to start a horse in barrels or are getting an experienced horse back into shape, begin his conditioning before putting him in the barrel pattern. The long trot and the slow trot are the two best ways to get a horse into top condition. These steps will build muscle and lung capacity, allowing the horse to perform better and not get out of breath after a race. Part of getting your horse into shape is developing his lung capacity and stamina. Having an exercise program for your horse is the best way to monitor what exercise your horse is getting. This makes it easier to add or remove parts of the program based on the condition and needs of the program.
Find a good, safe place to exercise your horse. An arena is good because of the cushion of dirt or sand, but it can get very boring for both you and your horse. If you have a large lawn, you can get most of your exercise there. Dirt roads without stones are good for this because the landscape is not as repetitive. Make sure you don’t exercise your horse on ground that is too hard, such as roads, concrete, or frozen ground. Always put protective boots on your horse’s legs before riding to protect his legs from injury.
To get your barrel horse up to speed, you have to work your way up to riding him six to eight miles three or four days a week. These days should consist of warming up with a walk, long trot and slow canter. At first you should walk more and slowly take the walk time and add it to the jog and jog segments. After walking half a mile, alternate between long jogging and slow jogging for half a mile. Do this for a week and then add another half mile. It can take months to reach the full six or eight miles, but getting a horse to top condition takes time and patience. Of course, if your horse is in good shape before starting the program, you can build up the mileage faster.
On days you are not following the exercise program, you should exercise your horse lightly or in a round pen. Allow your horse at least one day off a week to rest and relax. Leave it in a pasture to run free or lie down. This allows your muscles to continue working, but at their own natural pace. This also allows you to relax and not get bored with the exercise program.
After following this program for approximately 90 days, you should see a vast improvement in your horse’s condition and stamina. He’s almost at his peak at this point. He can now add a sprint to his exercise program on one day of the week. He starts with a walk and jog to warm up and stretch his muscles. Ask your horse to run about 250 yards. Ask him for as much speed as he gives you, allowing him to run as fast as he can. Slowly bring him down to a canter, trot, and then walk. Walk around until his breathing is even and he has cooled down. This need not be done more than once a week. If you are running your horse in a barrel race almost every weekend, you can skip this part of the training.
Once you start competing regularly, this rigorous exercise program can be reduced to a maintenance program. If you’re racing most weekends, you can shorten the workout to 45 minutes of walking, jogging, and jogging three to four days a week. Always make sure you give your horse at least one day off a week and don’t ride him hard every day. Horses get bored with routine and may start to misbehave. Remember not to overwork it the day or the day before a competition.