Recap of our first race of the season!

Hey Cowgirls, 

I took Fury to a race this past weekend. & entered her for the first time!! We did expos Saturday morning and completed in open around 1:30pm. We had some bobbles on our second barrel. I also pushed her for more speed. Which is likely causing our issues on the second barrel. We ran a 17.370. I believe the fast time was in the 14's. So at least 3 seconds off. 

We hauled in for expos on Sunday as well. I went through about five times. Probably a few too many. I am trying to learn the best way to add speed without having an area at home. It's difficult. But I will find a way to turn it into an advantage.

I am planning on doing a few weeknight jackpots with her to work on adding speed. I would also like to haul to a local arena to work the barrels.

 

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received was to watch your videos immediately after you ride and pick out a few things to work on. Don't beat yourself up and don't nit-pick. Take it for what it is and do you best to work on your few improvements. 

I am also implementing some new drills to help with our second barrel. I believe it's a few things: I think I need to get Fury over after the first barrel more quickly. I also think we are starting our turn too early. I need to push her past it until her hind end is at the barrel. She is also more still to the left. Encouraging her to switch leads out of the first barrel should help as well. I also want to make sure that I teach her how to be automatic. I think I am using my hands too much. I should we able to get to the barrel and set my hand, and she would turn. Some videos I have watched on this:

Andrea Cline Approach To Second Barrel

Michele M_11-Approaching Second Barrel

Cierra Nelson - Switching leads between barrels

Tricia Aldridge—Training Without an Arena - Barrel Horse News

 

All in all, I had a great weekend! I posted quite a few videos on my tiktok. @lilydunklau

 

Thanks for reading! 

 

-LD