[kassierae]

Thoroughbreds are actually not a great choice for barrels. They can and do work well in certain situations, but the best of the best are Quarter Horses, Paints, and a few Appaloosas. Some Arabians and Arabian X's do well, also. If you want a prospect you're going to be looking in a fairly high price range, most go for around $3k at least in my area. I wouldn't use an auction horse, unless it's a youngster. My mare is just a grade paint, but she does well. My gelding is a papered Appaloosa, and he has the speed and agility to do it. I also never, never work the pattern at home. I work around one barrel. And cones. Don't necessarily look for speed, but turning ability and agility. It is far better to run a slower clean run than to run a fast run and knock a barrel.

 

[kassierae]

I said it depends on the area. Go check Barrel Racing at Barrel Horse World, Barrel Horses for Sale, Barrel Racing Forums, Equine Health Articles, Western Tack, and more and see what prospects are going for.