Staci, I agree with you. Petlover, It appears that you *might* have a slight anger problem, and if you take out your anger on your horse, that can be disastrous. Example: my great grandpa had a MAJOR temper issue and he constantly beat his plow horse. The horse got sick of his abuse and kicked him in the stomach...bye bye great grandpa!!!! You may not think you never will now, but things change down the road. Then again, you might not, I am just making a general statement. This happens to a lot of horse owners....

Tips:

* Do not over steer the horse.
* Do not use too many commands while the horse is going around the barrel.
* Do not whip the horse with the reins, this should never be done period. Reins are not for whipping.

~ If you find an excellent trainer to train your horse, your horse will become well schooled and it will practically do just about everything its self, and all you have to do is sit on top and look pretty. Of course, you might have to do a few things, but for the majority the horse will do it. Especially if the horse finds barrel racing thrilling and it puts its heart into it.