Critique Possible Purchase..

Hey all!

I sold my last barrel horse because he was insane. Long story short. I am looking at this 7 year old gelding priced at 4,000. I'm looking for something that can stay calm (I can handle a little hot though) off and on the pattern. I would love some thoughts on his conformation and the way he rides. This is a video of us trotting and loping. I would enjoy a critique of myself, as well! I'm not an advanced rider, so remember that as you watch.

Disregard all comments made throughout the video, haha.

Thank you!

YouTube - Jack

He seems like a fun ride. Hot though. Definitely more go than whoa. You're going to have to work on half-halts and keeping him slow. And keeping calm! You looked terribly tense. He does seen like a good candidate for the barrel crazies... He's already so eager...

Also, was that your coach talking to you? Ha ha, good idea to bring an experienced horse person along. Loved the commentary. "She's still got a little English in her. Goes forward for everything."

He's actually very, very calm. He did want to pick up speed a tad bit in the lope, but as far as trot and walk I could do it with no reins. I'm used to the "barrel crazies" and it takes a TRUE crazy to scare me now!

Haha yeah she is my coach. She's also my best friend, and the person who taught me everything I know about barrel racing. I rode english for years before I met her and she turned me over into barrel racing. She is still trying to break some of my habits!

I feel like I'm such a terrible rider. I'm looking at this video and feel sick to my stomach. This boy was so genuine, giving, sweet, and calm I'm afraid I may ruin him! He is ridden and ran barrels on in a hackamore! Did you see how easy reverse was?? He is an angel, but I'm a terrible rider. I can't figure out how to fix myself and it's so disheartening.

I feel the same way when I watch videos of myself sometimes. But that's a good thing. If you can watch a video, tell yourself that you're not all that great, and go out next time and fix it, you're on your way. Once you get to a point where you DON'T make yourself sick, you're in trouble. Not because you've improved --that is, by all means, a good thing--, but because you think you've got it down. If you think you know all there is no know and that there is no horse or rider that can best you, then you've missed the entire point of riding. A humble attitude combined with a hardworking drive for improvement makes good riders.

Also, you've got yourself a good coach. You're never alone. If something goes wrong for you and your boy, she'll help ya out. If something goes wrong, ask questions. Ask yourself, "What am I doing to make this happen?" If you know and can fix it, great. If you can't, get someone who can!

(Plus, coaches are always looking for a chance to best their students! )

He's a pretty boy! You look nice on him, but remember what Brighteyes said, keep calm. I think he looks like a nice prospect, and probably the perfect age because he's young, but he's also mature. Good luck!

Thanks cloudnine! He is actually a finished barrel horse!

Brighteyes, thank you for the advice! Although I must ask .. am I really as bad of a rider as I am feeling like?

I don't know exactly how bad of a rider you think you are, but chances are you're better than you realize. It look me two years of lessons to be able to control a horse at a lope. And barrel racing? I've never had the courage to do that. As soon as I rounded the turn around barrel one, I'd be screaming for my momma. You've got a lot on me. So no, you're not that bad.

I think your being too hard on yourself. When you first ride a horse that you don't know its hard to not be nervous. Also you are new at western so its twice as hard because you don't know the dicipline as well. You are well on your way to being a good western rider just keep up the good work. And the horse seems willing so he will probably work with you and you both will grow together as a team.

He looks to be very calm for a barrel horse. I love the way he responds and stops immediately when you ask. I have seen many barrel horses that "stop" means slow down to a walk or jog or if you do get them stopped, they can't stand still for more than 5 seconds. I think with a little riding time on him, you guys would be great together.

Thank you so much everyone for the encouragment. It really means a lot to me!

Ridehorses, he is probably the calmest barrel horse I've ever ridden or seen for that matter. He is a "head hanging low walking into the gate and head hanging low walking out of the gate" type of guy. I know exactly what you mean about the stopping issue with many barrel horses. I hate that. All of my friends horses cannot stand still for anything, and several of them are uncontrollable in the gate--as in, if you point towards the barrels you are going and there is no stopping it. He isn't like that at all.

Another thing I adored was how he would back up. Can you see my hands very well? I pull back very lightly once and he takes more than a step back, quite a few. If I pull back again very lightly he will take a hand full of steps back. Many barrel horses, including my old horse, would rear if asked to back up more than a couple inches.

He is ridden in a hackamore and runs barrels in a hackamore. He is amazing, literally. I've also been wondering what it feels like to "click" with a horse? You know, the cliche, "I knew it was him at the moment I saw him!!" kind of bonding moment many people claim to have. I felt incredibly safe on him (I'm quite a chicken for a barrel racer) and I trusted him with my life so quickly. I miss him and sometimes when I think about him I want to cry! But he is the second horse I've looked at since selling my crazy horse. Is it too soon to find the right one? Should I wait?

I just don't know what to do..