I think these guys are awsome I barrel race and do pole bending and I run three horses for you guys who don't appreciate what we do it's a privilege for us to do this and it's a lot of fun and hard work
WildWestHorseLover Okay. This is a little harsh. I do this same sport, and I do not use a whip or spurs. Ever. I would never use a spur on my horse and while I have used a crop a time or two it's never HITTING, just gentle tapping as cues. I used to use a hackimoor (spelling...) on my mare but she was trained on a bit as a filly so she tended to get confused, and I reverted back to it since she doesn't mind and opens her mouth for the bit so I assume it's not bothering her. I know my horse well and she loves to compete. She loves to run. She loves to show off. I have never used pain to get her to do anything. She is my baby and if I thought it was hurting her to compete I'd stop in an instant. But we both love it and we do well, maybe not 1st all the time but in the top 3 usually, despite not using pain as you insist we do. So please at least be open minded that not all people who appreciate a particular sport use the same methods.
I pole bend and barrel race. No whips or Spurs and a very soft bit. It takes more heart than training. Making a horse do a sport it dosent love will never make a winner
None of these guys looked to be holding back their horses while pushing them. All they're doing is really using the reins and any kicking you see is them pushing their horse over while turning.
Actually it doesn't. Plus, you give them supplements. I know a horse, actually pony that loves barrel racing and pole bending and he's 29 and he has been doing it since he was about 10 years old. Of course since he's old we don't run him that hard, but it doesn't mess them up like you would think. Especially if you take good care of your horse.
The only thing I really don't like is when the rider constantly kicks or whips their horse the whole run back. Like I can ALMOST guarentee that horse will gallop as hard as he can back after galloping a round of poles, you know? I mean at least that applies for me. If i kick my horse she bucks lol
you probly have never had a horse. I'm sure these animals/ family members are well cared for and Love there job's. I could cry now about how my 27 year old barrel horse changed my Life when we used to compete. they Love there Job's
