Ask Sharon — Competition

Dear Sharon:  When watching the NFR this year, I noticed that only three or four of the horses wore tie-downs. Do you think this is a change in the industry and/or style of training of barrel horses? All of the competitors were so fast, balanced and correct – it was truly incredible to watch! My horse improved by almost a full second when I added a tie-down. I know that not every horse needs one, but I have noticed that tie-downs do not seem to be used as often as they were 10 years ago. What is your opinion?

Dear Sharon, My gelding is lazy! He is very calm, easy going and thinks he is on a joy ride as we run to the 1st barrel! He is a consistent 2D horse and kicks it into gear coming off the 1st barrel. I have tried long warm-ups, short warm-ups, no warm-up. Still he just lopes to the 1st barrel. How can I get him running? I know he has more in him. Thanks!  Dear Mer, Not a big worry until you have tried a few of my suggestions. Calm and easy going is nice for a trail horse. Also traits...

Dear Sharon, After being away from competition for a couple of years having babies, I am having a difficult time competing. I seem to have lost my confidence. My mare has no apparent problems, except me. Do you have any ideas on what I can do to rebuild my confidence? Dear Krista, From other women, I hear this is common problem. Confidence can certainly make or break any competitor and I think the duration you take off has something to do with how long it takes you to come back, especially after having a baby, or in your case two....

Before you set up some practice situations in arenas, or smaller competitive venues away from home, make sure you truly can control your horse at home. Try running to the first barrel and take hold of your horse's face just to see if he is paying attention to you. If he falls forward, shakes his head or runs through the bridle, odds are you do not have enough bridle on him to control him in competition with increased adrenaline or added pressure

Dear Sharon, My horse Montana makes money when I run one day, and the next time I run her, she acts like she doesn't know what to do. Her performance seems to be affected by the horses I warm up with. She gets insecure and frightened around horses that are hot and out of control. How does this affect her performance? Dear Breanne, Your warm-up is one of the most critical parts of competition. Not only do we need to warm up our horse’s bodies to avoid injury under the stress of competition, but also we need to warm up their minds...