Want to start Barrel Racing

I don't, and neither of my associations do. Better to have them easy to knock over just in case. I'd rather have the barrel fall than blow my knee out on one.

lol Metal barrels don't make friends! But having to run in bigger shows I've had to get used to them..My smaller associations don't use metal barrels though..They use the plastic drums and weigh them down with the pole bases..At home practicing we have the all time fantastic, very easily knocked over, orange traffic barrels.

I don't really have a whole lot more to add to what others have already said..Just remember to really take things s-l-o-w and make sure to work with a trainer who knows what they are doing so they can guide you in the right direction...

I am going to be sure to work slow together with my Mare. I am looking for a trainer in this area as of right now, I am possibly going to take lessons at the nearby College University Equestrian Center. Thank you all for your input! It was great advice and will taken to heart, and I will be sure to work hard and keep you all updated with my progress!

I just wanted to put a little disclaimer out there on this. While sometimes it can work out, it usually is only nice "fluffy" happy wishful thinking that "we can learn barrels together!!". It is so much easier for a rider to learn barrel racing by using an older, trained horse that is seasoned and knows their job. There is so much going through your mind during a run (or even practicing at slow paces) that it is much eaiser to learn if you only have to worry about yourself, and not also the horse.

I'm not saying it will not work, but it is a much better idea to start to learn to barrel race on the finished barrel horse suitable for a beginner.

I personally have plastic ones, but I do agree that you will run into metal ones at a lot of barrel races and rodeos. Yea, it hurts if you hit one, but bruises heal and makes you that much more motivated not to hit one!

My plastic barrels are out in the middle of a summerfallow field, where they can blow away. So we put a little bit of water into them to make them bottom heavy so they don't blow away in the wind.

There's nothing specific you have to wear except boots, long sleeve shirt, jeans, and either a helmet or cowboy hat. Check with the association or show you will be running at to see if they have attire requirements.

My barrels are out in a big open windy spot. So for me, metal is a MUST. I had plastic barrels, blew away...still don't know where they are XD