NBHA News

The combined knowledge of master bit and spur maker Greg Darnall and multiple National Finals Rodeo qualifier and futurity champion Michele McLeod is immense—so much so that the two teamed up to design a line of bits specifically designed to address many of the common issues riders face with barrel horses. Drawing on McLeod’s years…

The ability to create new goals out of setbacks and keeping a small circle of your strongest supporters is important for success inside the arena and happiness outside the arena. By McKenzie Morgan, age 16, originally published in the January 2019 issue of Barrel Horse News If There’s a Will, There’s a Way In my…

If you run barrels, you’ve probably dealt with alley issues at some point. Whether periodic or chronic, try these tips from trainer Kelsey Lutjen to help you and your horse overcome alleyway angst. Check for Soundness Issues “If I get a horse in that has alley issues, the first thing I will do is take…

Fence work helps professional barrel horse trainer Lacey Harmon quicken a horse’s feet and response time. Trainer’s Tip: “They don’t have to turn back on the fence really hard, but I want them to rate at the fence. When they do turn back, I want them to leave hard. It’s more of a quickness-on-the-backside type…

Leading futurity trainer Jolene Montgomery explains the skills she expects her young horses to have before she starts training the barrel pattern. Watch Jolene demonstrate these skills in motion in this video. 1. Forward Motion “The No. 1 thing people forget about is forward motion. In everything you do, it’s forward motion. I hear a…

Interview by Blanche Schaefer The Horse at Home “When you’re riding him at home, he’s very calm, chill and laid back most of the time. He’s lazy when you’re exercising him—you better put your spurs on or you’re going to get a leg workout. He’s really a kind, kind horse. That’s 99 percent of the…