buying a new horse

[lady.racer]

I am 20 years old I am just now starting a learn about barrel racing. I really need some info on buying my first barrel horse. what should i look for in my first horse. thanks a lot

[lauraSchumann]

Hi...what I would ask you first are these important questions....how long have you
been riding?  Is this your first horse, or your first barrel horse?  If you have been
riding a while, on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being a beginner, and 10 a pro---how
would you rank your abilities?  These are some very important questions I would need
to know in order to point you the right direction.  This would tell me what type of
horse that you should be looking for and which horses you should not.

Thanks and let me know,
Laura Schumann
Laura's Ladder To Success Barrel Clinics
"I BELIEVE" Tour 2009

[alisanicole0130]

Hi

Congradulations to you for moving up to searching for a barrel horse!
Barrel racing is so fun but its alot of work and can be very difficult at times!
There are alot of good and bad people out there, so be careful who you buy from!

My advice:
1- find a horse that is at least 10 years old, not older than 18 though.
2- make sure this horse has experience in barrel racing! you can learn so much from a good barrel horse who knows what to do by himself.
3- Look for a horse with a "short back", long underline, strong thick legs, and calm temperment.
4- ride him before you buy him!! make sure he walks, trots and "slow" lopes smoothly.
5- Try to get references on this horse! Ask people about him, injuries? bad habits? any history?
5- VET CHECKs are very very important! Barrel horses get bad bone/joint problems, xray legs, check teeth, feet, drug test etc..
6- and always take this horse to a rodeo or barrel race to try him!  A horse who is perfect at home may be crazy at the actual barrel race!

HOPE THIS WAS OF SOME HELP!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
ALISA CURRY
FMI:   ALISA.rodeotough@gmail.com