?Lazy Barrel Horse?

[appychick]

I got a horse that ive been training for the barrels. She is doing good so far. She goes around awesome, never comes in too close to the barrel and she is a super fast learner. but, she is lazy! i know she is fast, but every time you get her into a canter at first she pins her ears back and flings her head. It also takes her forever to get her into a canter. She dosnt start to canter until half way to the second barrel. What can i do to make her canter more willingly and not as if she is super lazy! im really started to get fustrated because she has been doing this a while now. Any suggestions?

[Chenay]

Hey Appychick!

Since I ride WP mostly, not sure if I am the best to be giving advice for this but a few questions first.

Does your mare ever lope off right away? Like on the rail or anything?
If not, that's where I would start.

I know a lot of barrel racers use crops, you could also try that.

I wouldnt worry too much about her pinning her ears, that doesnt necessarily mean that she doesnt enjoy it.

About her throwing her head... what kind of bit do you use? Have her teeth been done? Are you unknowingly grabbing her face? This can be a number of different things.

Like I said, not sure if I'm the best to give advice on this...but hope some of it can help you!

If all else fails... find a barrel trainer and try working with them for a month or two.

Good luck!