Barrel racers and rubber bands

[jennycash]

Its interesting to hear all the complaints about barrel racers. It has been said over and over again, every sport has its poor riders. The focus on the gaping mouthes in turns, yet what do english riders do…oh ya use a caveson to tie it shut. Do I agree with the excessive kicking, no, do some horses need it, absolutely. Until you have riden a hard rating barrel horse you have no idea what you’re talking about.

Eventing, flat racing, steeplechasing are all crippling if not life ending events in the horse industry. Yet people are worried about barrel racers “seat.”

[PunkeyPony]

I’m surprised the Velcro thing hasn’t come up in this thread yet, or maybe that’s just in my area. That one makes me crazier than the rubber bands. Don’t get how that can be legal in any competitive sport.(maybe it’s not?)

[roseymare]

1. A great many people do not understand shanked bits and how they work. This includes some people who have them in their horses’ mouths.

2. If it is not my preferred discipline/breed it must be wrong.

3. Reread #2

[beau159]

[QUOTE=PunkeyPony;7989824]
I’m surprised the Velcro thing hasn’t come up in this thread yet, or maybe that’s just in my area. That one makes me crazier than the rubber bands. Don’t get how that can be legal in any competitive sport.(maybe it’s not?)[/QUOTE]

Maybe not in this particular thread, but it’s been brought up before.

Amberly Snyder uses a Magic Seat, as well as rubber bands. In order for her to continue to barrel race with her paralyzed legs, they are a necessity.

http://ontherodeoroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/OTRRAmberleySnyderRunning.jpg

I certainly think the velcro has it’s purpose as well, just like rubber bands. For those who have had traumatic accidents but still want to barrel race, it gives them that extra security and help with balance so they can continue to do so.

But I have seen parents put their children on “over-horsed” barrel horses and the velcro only served the purpose because the child couldn’t ride the power of the horse without it. THAT of course is the wrong use of a Magic Seat.

[Lilykoi]

[QUOTE=Appsolute;7754927]
I am sure there are some very skilled barrel racers out there. In fact I am positive that there are.

BUT - unfortunately, I think the nature of the sport also attracts a lot of “yahoos”. I know a number of ladies who are not horse(wo)men - they started barrel racing as something to do at the rodeos they attend with their boy friends…

And their riding is atrocious. Too much of THIS (oh and I see miss flying squirell womping on her horse’s sides with huge spurs needs rubber bands to keep the stirrups in place as she does the can can).

http://www.writingofriding.com/in-the-media/more-cringe-worthy-barrel-racing-abuse/

There is bad riding in all sports - just some have minim requirements, or “compulsory” (think dressage in eventing) skills that limit the dangerous riding.[/QUOTE]

OMG the looks on the horse’s face says it all!