Crazy for wanting to run a Tb?

So I have one horse and as it turns out he is a tall tb that I want to do barrels with as he loves to run and I've always wanted to barrel race. Am I crazy? Everyone has been telling me that thoroughbreds can't barrel race and be good at it? Do you all agree or have opinions on it if so I'd like to hear them!

Hmmm, I've never heard that. In fact I see a LOT of OTTBs turned into barrel racers out here in Nebraska. I'm not saying they are good or bad... I think it depends on the individual, his mind and his physical abilities. To me that is like saying an Appaloosa can't do dressage... and by the way, one of the best dressage horses in my region is an Appy!

Ya true I just get it quite a lot so I was wondering if everyone has the same opinion. Idk that I've ever seen a full tb that was really good though.

I barrel race my TB mare locally. She's not that tall (15.3hh) and is very stocky and quick, so she does pretty well. Try it out, see if you like it. Many barrel trainers actually prefer appendixes over QHs.

Ya my mom used to rodeo on an appendix bred mare so I know that their good barrel horses but I've only known one girl who ran her OTTB but not in rodeos just small game shows:)

Your not crazy at all my trainers niece runs a TB mare and I have personally run a few and all are/did great. It all depends on the horse itself and the training you put into him/her. The big guy below I rode for a short period of time but at 16.2 and with only 2-3 months on the pattern he ran a nice little pattern.

It just depends on the individual horse. He may be cut out for it, or he might not be. Generally, if they are stockier, then they'll do better, but, again, it just depends on the individual horse. I've heard both that they can and that they can't. I've met TONS of 1D Thoroughbreds here in my area. (I race against Brittany Pozzi!) So, knowing that I'm up against some of the toughest competition, I'd say if there is a 1D Thoroughbred, then they CAN race and be good at it! ...but, again, not every single horse is the same. It just depends on his personality, his work ethic, his conformation, etc.

Ok. I have two sides of an opinion on this.

YES! TB's can be used and turned into FANTASTIC barrel horses. I myself prefer a QH or an appendix, but that is just my personal choice on breeds.

BUT! Is the TB an OTTB or never raced? The problems I have seen in the past with OTTB's is that they need a lot of rehabilitation to get them out of their racing mindset. You don't want to start an OTTB on barrels without full and lengthy training. They ARE fast, but they aren't trained to run and shut down quickly like a barrel horse is.

I personally also prefer a shorter horse for barrels. Some of my better barrel horses were barely pushing 15hh. But that in no way means that larger horses don't have the athletic ability to run barrels and do very well.

Barrel horses also tend to run a bit hot, so I would suggest doing a lot of calming work with your TB. We always take breaks from barrel racing to trail ride or even do some light cow events such as sorting or penning. It gives their mind a break from the constant pattern work.

Not to say all TB's are hot headed and flighty. I've seen some that were far less spooky than my QH's! So it also depends on your individual TB. What is its temperament like?

I personally think he will be good at it but he is a lil taller than I'd like for barrels lol he is just about 16.3hh but has a thick build, a good hip, shoulder and pretty correct legs. I wish I could put a pic up but my phone won't allow it:/

He is at a trainer now and she has told me several times he has a good mind as have other trainers. If anyone wants to take the time he has a YouTube video under merlott. I think it's the third video that pops up.