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 to sit first, and utilize a combination of inside and outside rein to rate straight. The outside rein pressure, combined with the use of your outside leg, will help hold your horse straight and help correct the problem you are having.
You may have to stop your horse straight a time or two in your practice pen. If your horse continues to step out, back up a few steps using your outside leg in order to back straight on your line of approach. If your horse is trying to turn before you ask, remember to ride into your second turn two-handed and apply reverse arc correction if necessary.
This is a simple problem to correct if you are riding balanced. Refer back to the book if you have additional questions.
Remember, "straight before you rate and rate before you turn." Good luck,
Sharon