Starting my girls into barrel racing..?

18 years old is good but be sure not to push him too hard. He may be quick, but if he's not in tip top shape already, it can be tough on him. If he's already been ridden properly a lot and he's in great shape, be sure to still do your warm ups, etc...so that he can last a long time.

Also, barrel racing is not about just running barrels. It's about keeping the horse soft and supple and about true horsemanship....means, working at the walk, trot and lope with little galloping done really......to get the horse supple and practice hip control and shoulder control and softness.....so that the turns are good and not forced.

Be sure to emphasize GOOD horsemanship, not the short cut gimmicks you're going to see: twisted bits, tie downs, heavy handed-ness with lots of pulling and stiff hot horses.....

I'd find a barrel racing trainer (one who specializes in the good stuff) to get you all started on what the basics are and maybe a lesson a week or something.

As for an expensive horse...it's not about that at all. A top notch NFR barrel horse cost only $500 and ended up winning a million. It's about the rider becoming truly proficient in handling the horse properly and learning real horsemanship skills (caring for the horse, doing the exercises to build that bond and get to where the horse trusts and respects the rider enough to compete easily without being a hot-head because of poor handling).....

Barrel horses that have proven themselves can teach your daughter a lot. But for now, she's 8 yrs old....so, don't bother thinking about needing a horse like that. Wait and see where she is when she's older.

This is the pattern:

http://nbhacanada.com/images/site/Barrel_course.pn...

If you have any barrels, i suggest you set them up somewhere and let her play around with it. If she takes it seriously and doesn't get bored of it, consider getting her lessons. You'll need to get her a trainer/instructor. To be able to do it right and not sour your horse is hard to do on your own.

Just start with lessons, and then when she's ready the instructor will probably suggest a small gaming show, barrel race, play day, or gymkhana.

If she gets really into it, then you'll probably want to get her a nice well-bred quarter horse somewhere down the road. But don't worry about that now. She's 8 1/2, she might get bored of it.

I have been riding my whole life. I think it is great that she is wanting to do barrel racing. My first suggestion is to take her to some barrel races to watch. You may also want to see if there is some organization in your area such as 4-H or a horse club. They sometimes have what they call gymkhana's or play days. They help people get started with horses and events. You will also find other parents who are willing to help you all as well.

You may want to contact your county extension office for help locating these clubs.

Most barrel horse's begin coaching round four-five years of age AFTER they've an outstanding coaching underneath their belt and realize the fundamentals. I do not approve of a barrel horse to do any rough competitions earlier than five years of age. Most nonetheless have "little one" minds and I simply do not believe that if they're strolling earlier than they're mature sufficient to understand how to situation their frame and be completed. Running a horse to early can coach dangerous behavior similar to rearing earlier than and after runs, now not slowing down within the alley, and now not ranking competently. This might placed you and different humans at threat if you are strolling a horse that's now not but certified to be viewed "completed" in his game.

You should find an instructor that teaches barrel racing. She may or may not pursue barrels forever. Your pony sounds fine for now. Eventually you will have to get a better horse if she's serious about it, but you can find a decent barrel horse for not tooo much.