I recently had the opportunity to talk to champion barrel racer Lindsay Sears. During my conversation with Lindsay, she stressed how important routine is for horses.

Some people don’t realize how important it is to take care of horses’ teeth. If a horse’s teeth start to get sore, it makes it difficult for him to respond to a bit and to turn barrels correctly.

In barrel racing, just like any sport, injuries happen. Unfortunately, with all of the action and power involved in barrel racing, injuries can be very devastating.

I have a young horse that will be out of training soon. I can’t wait until he’s ready to start hauling to exhibitions. With him, I’ve learned that there are a few things you need to make sure you do before working with a young horse.

My involvement with rodeo began at our local PRCA rodeo. If you are thinking that my first rodeo was in the professional rodeo arena, think again.

Cribbing is a common equine vice that is often considered a nuisance by horse owners, but few realize the medical and practical implications of having a horse that cribs. I asked Dr. Michael Aromando of Town and Country Veterinary Service for his insight on the difficulties of owning a cribbing horse.

Rating is a key component in barrel racing. Your horse’s ability to turn a barrel and perform is directly related to his ability to rate, something that can make or break your winning run. Renowned barrel horse trainer and competitor Dena Kirkpatrick has a few tips for overcoming the everyday problems riders face when correcting the lack of rate in their barrel horse.

I believe you have an advantage if you raise and train your own barrel horse rather than buying a pre-trained one. As you spend the time and money breaking and training a horse, you develop a bond with the animal.