We recently acquired a mare that will turn 7 this May. Bloodlines are: top Howie Bars which is Three Bars grandson. Susie Star Jr which goes back Leo. Bottom is That Shecky Deal X Shecky Greene(TB). Liberty Space X Time and Space. This mare has had limited work on Barrels, is extremely quick and athletic. Having little to no knowledge of training a barrel horse, and no professional barrel trainers in this area, we are at a loss as to what to do with this beautiful mare.

The one trainer we talked to here (not a professional) said she is much too old. I really hate the thought of turning her into a broodmare. I know that Howie Bars was an outstanding Barrel Horse. Your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, opinions, and or recommendations are sincerely appreciated.
Thanks.
Jim

Do you have our book -”Barrel Racing, Training the Wright Way”? If not, it would probably come in handy in finishing this mare as a barrel horse. It has lots of training techniques and suggestions for exercises to do to aid in your training. And no, she is not too old if she is trainable and by that I mean, does she try to do what you’re asking her to do with a willing attitude? I would say go for it with her – she certainly is bred right to do so and riding her will give you a better idea of whether you want her to raise babies or not. We think that ability and attitude is 90% of a broodmare. Conformation and breeding come in behind that.
Martha Wright