Hello yellow lab lover. I have been barrel racing for a long time with my coach. I have never had a real barrel horse of my own is all. I have been using my coaches horses. Of course she taught me never whap the horse with the reighns while doing the pattern. We usually do not have to give them commands when they are running the pattern since they were raised from a baby doing it and know what to do. At the end you usually have to say Whoa!!!! But, I think that everyone says that. I have ran really bad times at playdays and rodeos, and I never get mad at my horse. I feel that she tried her best, she was just having an off day. I have a lot of off days. People don't get mad at me so why should I get mad at her? I usually give her a kiss on the cheek fter every run. Just as a thank you for running the pattern. Also, Rio and Me, I am not going to leave. I decided not to. I am glad that you were curious enough to ask though. Well, I have to go groom Hallie, she is sitting here on her grooming table waiting. I'll get back on afterwards. Bye Guys!!!!!