Double Barrel
Posted : 7/23/2016 11:00:53 PM
im sure there are some good websites out there. but truely i would think that you should start at the beginning. get out your measuring tape and set up 3 barrels the proper distance apart (probly google barrel pattern distances... altho they probly very some from association to association) then start walking. learn if your horse is left or right handed... you will want to do those 2 turns for which she is more handy. she will need to learn to move off your leg while still bending around the barrels. once she gets the hang of that, move up to the trot. and so on.
if you have not yet, find your local saddle club, 4H club if you are young enough is a great place to get lots and lots of info for very little money.
the most important thing, to me is that your mare needs to know what 'whoa' means. there is no reason why she cannot walk into the arena on a loose rein before she runs, as well as walk out on a loose rein when she is done with her pattern.
all horses can run speed events. My son ran my percheron gelding last summer in most of the events as well as drill team at our county 4H show. the only person stopping you from doing what you wish to do with your mare is you ;)