Barrel Racing and Bit Question

[HogWild]

I know several of you have considerable experience barrel racing.......I know I've read a good post or two by Harley's Owner in the past. Right now our girls instructor has them direct reigning their horse around the barrels. Is this the correct way to turn a horse on barrels or is this an intermediate step she is teaching them which will change later?

My second question. If direct reigning is the proper way to turn a horse on barrels, how is this done successfully using a shanked bit? Seems the top of the shank would tend to dig into the horses's head when the inside rein is pulled to the inside of the turn. Would this confuse the horse and make him want to turn his head out away from this pressure.....or will they eventually learn to turn further inside to relieve the pressure?

A wonder bit seems to be popular with barrel racers around our area. We've been using it as I can hook the reins on the circle and it acts like an O-ring snaffle and I can work on flexing etc. Then when I put our 8 yr old on our horse, I can switch the reins to the leverage portion of the bit and it gives the girls a little better stop. This bit doesn't seem to dig into the side of the horses head as much when direct reining compared to most shanked bits. I've also heard of, but not seen, a shanked bit made by Mylar where the upper portion of the shank doesn't rotate with the bottom portion of the bit so won't dig into the side of the horses face. Anyone heard of these or have experience with them?

[vicklynn]

When I barrel raced, ah heck, in all my riding, I have always used a D ring or an O ring.
I did graduate a horse to a grazing bit, but never used it on him for barrel racing.
I would never use a shank on a barrel racer that is direct reined.
If the horse spun on a dime while neck reining, then that would be different.
Im all for touch, I dont like being IN a horses mouth.
Does that make sense?

[mandisue]

Well in barrels I direct rein and neck rein, going in I have to use both hands or my mare gets out of hand.....
after that I use one ( switching for each barrel) The trainer may be having them do that til they get the hang of it?

And I also either use a rope nose snaffle bit or a jr cowhorse.

[Harleys Owner]

Direct reining is how they should always rein when running barrels.

Shanked bits used too direct rein with, should always be broken in the middle, and have swivel shanks.

[mtnmollie]

Good post Becky. :cowboy:

[AUEquine]

My opinion... it's barrels and there is no judge, do what your horse works best with!

Each barrel horse I ride is different. Of course you have to start them all off with a direct rein, but as they progress you riding style may change. I'll give you a few examples of horses and how I rein them:

Goosey:
I rode her in a little S hack, and for turning I used all inside rein. I use it two separate ways. First I am using it against her neck to keep her from dropping her shoulder and from going into the barrel, and then secondly I'm pulling on it to turn her head around the barrel. I do all of this very high up on her neck, so my arm is almost straight.

Smarty:
Smarty just needs a quick check with the inside rein before the barrel and the a light direct rein to guide him around it.

Doc:
Doc was all direct rein... just point and turn. All you needed with him was an inside leg for support and an inside rein for direction.

Riddler:
Riddler is all neck rein. You basically just switch hands and lay the reins accross his neck and he turns like a champ.

Oakie:
Oakie uses little to no rein. You kinda rein him like goosey, with the up and over motion. However to turn him around the barrel all you have to do is step your weight in the inside stirrup. And he'll just 'swoosh' around the barrel!

So don't get all caught up in the little things, this isn't dressage or equitation. It's all about what works! The same goes with the bits. I'm a big fan of a wonder bit, I also like the bit 5 inch O rings, and on some horses a mechanical hack! Let the horse tell her the best way to ride it... not the trainer!

[HogWild]

AUEquine,

Any chance you attend Auburn University? I have 2 nieces that attend there and live right across the street from the equine facility.

[AUEquine]

AUEquine,

Any chance you attend Auburn University? I have 2 nieces that attend there and live right across the street from the equine facility.

I am an Auburn Alum! I graduated from Auburn in 2006 with a degree in Agricultural Business and Economics. I now work at the Auburn Vet School as an Equine Critical Care Technician!
I'm guessing they live in either stonegate, crossland downs, or the brookes(I used to live there). I live just around the corner in one of the student trailer parks! It's definatly a great town to live in and a great college to go to!

[palomino]

I have Inka in a Jr Cowhorse for running, and a snaffle (o-ring) for practice. I would think the direct rein thing would be a teaching tool, maybe getting used to the pocket? You need to have a hand free to hang on when you run- at least I do, Inka leaves me in the dust!

[OwnedByOurHorses]

I agree with AuEquine it all depends on the horse...For my mare I was using a combo hack/snaffle on her now I'm using a plain bosal on her while I'm working to bring her back after some cruel handling while at the breeders and I'm planning on just going ahead and leaving her in it since she just needs alittle inside leg pressure just before the turn.

[HogWild]

AUEquine.

They live in the Brooks. They are from Florida, military brats, but their dad grew up in Alabama and attended Auburn. We stopped and visited them back in early August. I really liked the town and the campus too. And the equestrian facility was just great! Overall I was impressed.

I live in NW AR and work about 3 blocks from the University of Arkansas (my alma mater). Auburn reminds me a lot of the UofA.....small town, etc.