Ask Sharon — Training

Dear Sharon, I look forward to attending one of your clinics shortly. I have a three year-old mare. She is very sensitive and gets fired up easily. One day she works great, and the next it's all I can do to keep her in control. Obviously there is a step I am missing in her training program. Many of her issues seem to have resulted from bad experiences with an earlier trainer. I do not have an arena or a round pen. Most of the training I do is in the open pasture. She has never been through the barrel...

Dear Sharon, I have attended other clinics and was disappointed with the way the clinics were conducted and for the cost, that hurt. I am interested in your clinic and the sponsor suggested I contact you with my questions. My concern is that I lack confidence. My horse is gentle but young, and when I think he might move I panic inside. I want to start running in September, but I am not doing very well asking for speed. I know I can do this but need to be pushed or encouraged by someone who can tell me how to...

Dear Sharon, I have an eight year-old daughter who wants to learn to run the barrels. Some friends who moved away from the area gave her a 10 year-old gelding and an old copy of your first book. The horse has no experience in barrel racing and is a little headstrong. Where do we begin? I have not found anyone in the area to coach her so I am elected and have no experience. What sort of barrels do you suggest for someone so young? The thought of steel oil drums really hurts and the pop ups are very pricey....

Dear Sharon, I just got my new horse yesterday. Could you give me some tips to start him on barrels? Dear Brooke, I remember signing my book for you, The A.R.T. of Barrel Racing, at the Quarter Horse Congress!  Please refer to page 20 on Training Bits. At this time, the most important thing you can do is to get to know your new horse, select training equipment for him (Reinsman #744 with Martingale #7762) and begin to identify his strengths and weaknesses along with his level of training. See my tack on this website or at the BarrelRacingSuperstore.com. Address each...

Dear Sharon, What age do you usually start colts and what do you start them on? Dear Abigail, Remember that each horse is matures mentally and physically at different rates. I prefer to have the horses ridden lightly in their second year but allow them until they are five to really get ready to learn their chosen sport. If you planning a futurity career for your youngster, I suggest you consult your veterinarian to help you decide if the horse is skeletally mature enough to start a heavy training program. I consider starting young horses to be an art. The...