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Ask Sharon


Learn to enjoy the journey; life is a series of completed processes that interlock for success.

—Sharon Camarillo






BARREL RACING PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

For Sharon Camarillo Clinic students, we offer an online video performance evaluation service. Post your competitive or practice runs on YouTube , we will evaluate your performance and Email you a report, including a customized training plan for improvement. Please contact us for pricing and to arrange this service!




In order to study horsemanship one needs an attitude of compassion, awareness, patience, forgiveness and confidence.

—Sharon Camarillo



Tonya from California

Posted by sharoncamarillo Admin on

Dear Sharon, I’m having problems setting my horse up for the 1st barrel. He does really good on the other turns, but on the first he wants to go out wide. Should I get a more controlling bit? I use a Jim Warner hackamore or a short shanked twisted wire bit. Dear Tonya, The problem you describe is common. Riders often report having problems with a first turn and report better turns on the 2nd and 3rd. Common causes of “going out wide” leaving the barrel are: 1) Failure of the horse to rate prior to the turn, and 2)...

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Tiffany from Washington

Posted by sharoncamarillo Admin on

Dear Sharon, My barrel horse does fine going to the right. However once I make the first turn he takes off and will not allow me to regain control. I was wondering what suggestions you may have to get him back under control. Dear Tiffany, You may have several problems going on here. First and most important, when a good horse stops working you better check to see if he could be sore. Injuries like torn or injured suspensory tendons could cause the best horses to quit working. Also have your dentist check out your horse’s teeth. Once you have...

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Samantha from British Columbia

Posted by sharoncamarillo Admin on

Sharon, I have a 10 year-old mare who has been running barrels now for about four years. After taking your clinic in Alberta, Canada, we have improved! However, I have to do one or two small loping circles to get her to relax and collect before I can let her go, or she runs with her head in the air and past the first barrel by a stride. I am guessing that we just need a little more time for her to relax and settle before we run during competition. Suggestions? Dear Samantha,   Sounds like you have been doing...

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Put from Hawaii

Posted by sharoncamarillo Admin on

Dear Sharon, My daughter and her horse always over-shoot the 1st barrel. Their 2nd and 3rd barrels are flawless. We have tried many different ways to overcome this problem; loping then trotting, stopping and backing up, loping slowly then picking up speed around the barrel. Nothing has helped; they continue to overshoot the 1st barrel. My daughter thinks it's because she is starting the turn too late. Do you have any other suggestions? Dear Pua, Initially I have to say, remind your daughter to “ask her horse to rate straight before the turn.” This sounds like a clear case of...

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Pam from California

Posted by sharoncamarillo Admin on

Dear Sharon, I have a friend, Rachel, who runs barrels. For the last couple of years, her horse, Pistol, has been resentful of entering the arena. However, with effort, he goes in and completes his run. Now he goes in quietly and just stands there. She cannot get him to go forward no matter how hard she tries! Thank you in advance for any help you can give her. Dear Pam, Usually when a horse refuses to work, you can narrow down the problem to one of two things: Pistol is sore or he is lacking respect and confidence in...

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