Ask Sharon — Problem-specific Correction

Dear Sharon, My barrel horse over-flexes when he turns a barrel, lopes in circles, and even when I ask him for figure eights at a trot or lope he is too flexed. He has been doing this for a while and it is starting to affect his running style. I would like expert advise for this problem! P.S. I am a HUGE FAN! My favorite of your horses was and still is Seven. Dear Madison, First off thank you for remembering Seven. He was my favorite horse too! Regarding your problem. The good news is that you can almost immediately...

Dear Sharon, I recently bought a horse that had been started on barrels. The more I ride him, the more I think he has been abused. He has a difficult time trusting me and though he works a nice pattern at a walk and a trot, when you ask for a lope, he falls apart. He gets high-strung, forgets his cues, his rate, his pockets and literally tries to run off. I am 20 years old and not a trainer. Would you suggest a trainer or give me advise that would help us work through our rough spots? Dear Lauren,...

Dear Sharon, I have a six year-old mare that I am trying to work with. She trots the pattern fine, but when she gallops the pattern she literally tries to run over the second barrel. What can I do to help her? My knees are getting sore! Dear Lana, Thank you for your question. The problem you describe shows up frequently in varying degrees in young horses. In my program, I stress that when schooling horses on the pattern, riders need to work the horses deep on the backside of the barrel. The easiest way to explain what that means,...

Dear Sharon, I have a mare that I've been working with on the barrels. She's pretty easy to ride, although, she's not a finished barrel horse. I've been working her in a light argentine snaffle. She seems pretty responsive to my cues, except, when I try to pick her up to move over when turning the 2nd and 3rd barrels, she doesn't bend as well to the left. I was wondering if either a Tender Touch bit or a Sweet Six iron wrap bit would be better. Dear Jody, First off, remember to ride to your spot. An effective barrel...

Dear Sharon, I have a four year-old mare that I trained myself. We have one problem. She goes to her pocket really good on all her barrels, but when we get there she forgets what to do. She does so well at home and at the practice arena at the show. I think I freak a little or maybe I don't trust her, I'm not sure. When we get to the barrel I get in her mouth a little but she doesn't shake her head or anything. I need help. Dear Jessie, Thank you for your question. In general, young...