So the chute thing. My farm just came back from NBHA runs and all the video is of them running out of the chute. Nobody started the barrels from a halt.
Paula
That’s because NBHA allows you to do a running start so most people will opt to do that. And most NBHA shows are going to have a center chute so that you are already lined up, for the most part.
I find it less stressful for my horse to do a running start when I can do it. He is eager to get in there and work, and if I don’t have to hold him back, he doesn’t get as nervous. However, if there is a side entry gate or the show has a rule for no running starts, I can walk him in and place him, and we take off from a halt.
At our local NBHA’s, there are a couple gals in my area that will opt to circle their horse before a run, or creep up to the gate to basically start from a standstill. And they place well.
Every horse is different. You can start your horse how you’d like. Most horses have plenty of “gas” to start from a halt just fine.
Even at the National Finals Rodeo, a couple of the girls will “walk” their horses to the end of the chutes before taking off. And they place right up there with the ones that started running from the back 40.
At Pendleton, it’s the same thing. Some girls will start running from pretty far back, and other girls will “walk” pretty much to the timer before they take off. It’s going to depend on what works best for your horse.
I have tried Sam at the stand still, he didn’t mind it.
I also started him with a circling trot…he almost seemed confused as every time we were lined up to start down the line he perked his ears and went “Now??” but then we went past and he was all “Well I see the barrel down there, what do you want me to do?!?”
and yes my horse talks to me in my head in a Sam Elliot voice…who’s doesn’t?!?
You and I are English riders, Jessiesgrrl, so employ the “look” perhaps? In a similar way to approaching a jump on a course, look at it when you’re ready to take it.
Paula
You’ve been working on speed events for maybe a month, or two? Correct?
He just simply doesn’t know what’s going on yet. It takes a while for a horse to understand. At this point, I wouldn’t expect him to know.
I usually expect to give them at least 3 months (minimum), before the light bulb comes on, so to speak. My 4-year-old colt sort of had a “light bulb” moment about 4 months after I first started hauling him. Unfortunately, he was injured after that so now we’ll have to wait until next year, but it just takes them time to know what’s going on.
Just continue to make sure you are giving him all the cues to make him as successful as you can with your approach to the barrel, and throughout the turn.
Well yesterday was our show…
English classes were a wash as all he wanted to do was race the other horses and was NOT a happy boy. We scratched the last class.
Speed event went pretty freaking good lol He knew exactly what he was doing, we were in the “on deck” spot and when the last horse came out of the ring I asked him to walk through so we could start our circle, he started trotting and getting ampted up, so I let him go.
We did a controlled canter to the barrel, slowed and turned alright…then he took over and I was pretty much just holding on. I did not cue him to go this fast, which makes me think (and also from the seller stating he has done speed events most of his life) that I need more training not him lol
He was giving it all he had on the way home…and then I panicked…I am used to us slowing down and stopping at the gate, but everyone else was circling out, so at the last minute I tried to circle him and he got confused and circled sharp then dead stopped and I came off 
My fault, not his.
We got a time of 13.4…not bad for our first official run. Didn’t place as most fo the other riders were in the 10 sec area
here’s a link to a video 
https://video.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xft1/v/t42.1790-2/11863675_10153288492258369_743845968_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjc3NSwicmxhIjo1MTJ9&rl=775&vabr=431&oh=814f49529f2ae08478b1ee4feba57fa9&oe=55DB43F3
Well I am glad you are okay and didn’t get hurt falling off! Miscommunication happens. Just plan ahead (if there’s a next time) on exactly what you want to do, then follow through with your plan.
Your video doesn’t work. Would love to see it!
I think this one will work…
https://video.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xft1/v/t42.1790-2/11863675_10153288492258369_743845968_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjc3NSwicmxhIjo1MTJ9&rl=775&vabr=431&oh=1924be49bf580b261126e836b3c1eed8&oe=55DCA833
Nice!
If you are going to continue to work on the speed events, a few pointers. If you know you are going to take the barrel turn to the right, make sure you have cued your horse for the right lead. He was on the left lead the whole way down the arena.
He really seemed to listen to you for the turn, which is great. Cue him a step LATER though. If you do that (and get him on the right lead), he should keep his hindend engaged, instead of swinging it around.
If he ever starts going a speed that you are not comfortable with, ask him to slow down!! I am a big advocate of being able to control your speed horse at all times. I like to know that IF I wanted to that I could stop my horse at any time during a speed run. Control is essential.
If you are comfortable with him running home, that’s fine. But if you aren’t, make sure he takes it at a pace you are comfortable with.
Thanks for the advice Beau
At home I can gallop him all over and have no issue asking for the slow down…I also have been bang on for the correct lead every time I practiced…I panicked at the show lol
The lady who went before me walked and trotted her horse, and everyone clapped and cheered like she won the whole thing…it’s a great club to be part of they certainly encourage newbies and pro’s alike
Guess it’s a matter of either keep going with this, or just keep it as a fun “on/off/sometimes” thing
My local clubs have that environment too and it’s great to have!
