What tack do I need for barrels/poles?

Question

Ok, I've done barrels and poles before in gymkanna sort of things, I'm thinking of doing rodeo, but I'm wondering what tack I'm going to need.
Ok I'll need:
Western Saddle (Will a saddle with a high cantle work?)
both cinches
breast collar
blanket (is there any specifics?)
barrel reins
bridlle (do I need a specific bit? my horse is used to snaffle)

Anything else? Do I need leg protection? If so what?

Thanks sooo much

Answer 1

You will need a barrel saddle. Billy Cook makes one that is not very expensive, it needs to be a tight fit between the front of the saddle, you and the back of the saddle.



A back cinch is optional, on the front one get a pro choice cinch. They are the best and if you can't get one get a cinch that has a stainless steel D ring.



You do not need a heavy duty breast collar, just a simple leather one. I



I run in a Charmayne James saddle pad, it is a really good one. something like that will work great.



They do have barrel racing reins and that is a good idea to have.



If your horse runs in a snaffel then use that but if he gets to where you can't control him then go to a wonder bit or ask someone to help you out.



You need protection for your horses legs and feet. SMB boots and bell boots are the best or you can use Pro Choice, they are good too.



Go get Charmayne Jame's book or Martha Joesy video's. That will be the best thing you can do.



Listen and watch the ladies you run with, you will learn so much and don't be afraid to go up to one and ask for help.



Best of luck.

Answer 2

The western saddle needs to be a reallly light one (not color, i mean weight). And a high cantle is perfect.

For the blanket, most people use a neoprene one. But make sure the one you use is think for padding, and VERY breathable. Don't use a cheap one.

Snaffle bits are fine, a lot of people use Wonder Bits, or hackamores, but if your horse is used to a snaffle and is controlable in a snaffle, then i say stick with it.

In rodeos, most of the time the girls wear chaps, but it's not necessary.

But you will need western boots, jeans, a button up western long sleeve shirt, and if by any chance this is an NBHA show, you'll need a western hat or helmet.

Some people wear shin protectors. But it's really only necessary if your horse hits the barrels a lot.

If your horse is lazy, you might want an over-under, or ball spurs.

Also, your horse will need boots. Professional Choice SMB seem to be the most popular.

Most people braid their horse's mane because the mane often gets all tangled up your hands when you're turning. You can braid the tail too so he doesn't step on it, but it's not necessary.

Oh, and most importantly, always, always, ALWAYS, remember to bring your enthusiasm.



:)

sorry it's so long.

Answer 3

I would not suggest a snaffle, also known as a "run away bit" since it doesnt provide the control you need. I would suggest a chain bit (not like a mule bit). I have allways run my barrel horses with one and it puts pressure right where you need it and it doesnt feel hard or anything in there mouth. Somthing like this http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/pictures/files/3/3/0/2/4/101_0012.jpg or somthing that has a slight gag on it.



I would suggest a saddle pad, if thats what you meant...just a blanket with no pad can really sore and damage your horses back. I sometimes ride with a 1 inch think fiber pad, and other times with a SMX Air Ride pad. The Air Ride pad is fairly costly, but it is a wonderful pad! I havent had a sore back yet! https://www.mikeswesternsuppliers.com/images/uploads/SMxHD_air_ride_shilloh.jpg



You also need some sport or splint boots, along with some bell boots. I have seen plenty of horses come up lame from not having any leg protection. I would suggest that you used them on all four legs, but if money is an issue, just use front. These come in lots of colors http://www.rockinmtack.com/v/vspfiles/photos/CLS100-2T.jpg

If you have a Tractor Supply near, they sell bell boots and splint boots at a fair price..I have a pair from them and I have been running on them for almost 4 years! And here are some awesome bell boots.. http://www.coolhorse.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/CNTDL09ZW.jpg



Yes, a saddle with a high cantle is good, just make sure its light weight, fits you horse, has a slightly tall horn, and gives you close contact to your horse.



Hope I helped!! Good luck!!!

Answer 4

If your a dang good rider, you can ride with a regular western saddle...



but otherwise get a barrel saddle... The deep seat and high back hold you in place when a horse goes full speed and then sits down to turn... Most western saddles wouldn't allow you to stick it...



A back cinch isn't required... Dang I've forgotten the name... I run my mare with the heal protectors that reining horse trainers use to protect their legs from getting raw during stops... I put them on her back feet because she sits down and slides at a hard run to turn a barrel... it protects her back legs...



I also use over reach boots on her front...



I also run with a soccer shine gaurd on my left leg cause my mare burns the paint off and it saves my shin

Answer 5

you need a BARREL saddle, not just a western saddle. barrel saddles hold you in place when going around tight turns at high speeds. barrel reins, boots for every leg! better safe than sorry. the SMB boots are the best, here is a link to them http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/protgear/prd/smbe4.html, saddle pad (get a barrel pad if you want one to fit your saddle better), barrel racing bit, it better to use a combination hackamore on barrels so you aren't jerking your horses mouth around barrels, combination hacks put pressure on the nose and then the mouth, i use the martha josey million dollar bit http://www.thetackstop.com/bitmilliondollar.htm be sure to get a cinch that will be comfy for your horse, the back cinch isnt required but i always use one, it makes me feel safer. and they dont cost much. when picking a breast collar, its better to race with leather ones, be sure to get the real leather ones not the pleather. i wouldnt recommend nylon breast collars as ive had them rub my horse raw,

Answer 6

Sounds like you have what you need. With the turning in barrel racing you might look at a saddle with a pommel that you can grip with your knees. I have seen barrel racers use shin guards like the kind baseball catchers use to help protect the shins. A pair of good fitting gloves might be helpful too.

Answer 7

you should have leg wraps and possibly bell boots for your horse to keep him from nicking his legs with his hooves or pulling a shoe.