Making a Barrel Horse – Hauling a Young Horse
- March 11, 2021
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- Jenn Zeller
Posted in: Featured, Horse Training, Rodeo, Uncategorized
Hauling a horse is one of the single most important ways to make them great — save for roping cattle on them.
The more broke you can get your horse, the better; the more they’ll focus on you. The less likely they are to make mistakes. Getting a horse really really broke is a never-ending job, but one that I take great pride in. And part of getting that horse broke includes hauling them down the road.
I think when you start hauling a young barrel horse it’s always a good idea to have a “Steady Eddie” with them: a been there, seasoned horse that they can depend on for security and comfort. But that horse also should be a good influence — no pawing at the trailer, no wailing at the trailer when the youngster is gone – or present. You want a horse that will provide a good energy when you aren’t there to do it yourself.
That said, my caveat is this: I’m not an advocate of tying young horses and leaving them. I like to build them up to staying tied for longer periods — because I want them to look to me to support them. So I will usually make sure to have a hay bag in front of them as well.
Avie – the yellow horse, setting a good example for all three youngsters tied to my trailer.
I also like to haul water from home those first few times so the horse will learn to drink on the road. And if you ever forget the water, strawberry flavored Kool-aid will work to dump in the water in a pinch!
If your horse is super anxious, or not a very confident individual, try to choose facilities, those first few times, that will allow your young horse to see their “Steady Eddie” so they’re not in a stall unable to see their friends.
I hope these tips help you this coming year, as you prepare to season your young horse.
Happy trails!
Jenn
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Posted in: Featured, Horse Training, Rodeo, Uncategorized
About Jenn Zeller
Jenn Zeller is the creative mind and boss lady behind The South Dakota Cowgirl. She is an aspiring horsewoman, photographer, brilliant social media strategist and lover of all things western. After a brief career in the investment world to support her horse habit (and satisfy her...