Hi there.
I am kinda in the same boat you are in. I have two paint mares that I need to start doing something with. I am originally from Arizona and use to run barrels there but now I am married and live in North Carolina and have not done much in the way of barrel racing. One of my paints knows pretty much what to do I just need to go out and do it. I would like to join NBHA. My advice is that if you know what you are doing then get a young horse and train it yourself. I needed a teacher. Hope this has helped.

Hey,
If I were you I would start with a older (10 to 15 year) horse that runs a consistent pattern. Probably a 3D or 4D horse. That is sound and has no problems, and no gate issues. Start out lower so you can work up. You will know when you are ready for your next faster horse. You need to build experience and confidence. Perferably don't start with a young horse if you do not actually know how to train a barrel horse. It will probably just create problems and bad habits unless you have someone else train it or help you.

Your horse can be grade. All that matters is that he does his job correctly. You would register with AQHA. google it.You really should get a fully trained horse unless you know what you are doing and how you are going to train it.

I agree with Lulubell, you need to start with a older horse that is trained and been down the road. If you can find a reputable trainer in your area to help you find a horse that is sane and sound.
No your horse doesn't need to be bred any certain way, sometimes the best don't have any running blood in them!
If you do buy a registered horse it just depends on what association they are reg. with but I'm sure all assoc. are online.
Best of luck to you!

I agree with Lulubeel too. You should never train a horse yourself unless you know what you are doing and you know the correct way of training a barrel racing horse. The best kind of horse to run in barrels is a(n) QH. I jave a QH and he is amazing, but i also have a paint mare that i have been training and she is amazing at barrels to. I hope i have helped you in some way and i wish the best of luck to you.

I agree with Lulubelle also. A green horse and a green rider are never a good match. When you know the basics, then you can start teaching a young horse. As for the pedigree, a good barrel horse isn't necessarily one with the perfect pedigree, or one at all for that matter! My barrel horse is bred to be an outstanding hunter under saddle horse.

I agree with Lulubelle also. A green horse and a green rider are never a good match. When you know the basics, then you can start teaching a young horse. As for the pedigree, a good barrel horse isn't necessarily one with the perfect pedigree, or one at all for that matter! My barrel horse is bred to be an outstanding hunter under saddle horse.

I agree with Lulubelle also. A green horse and a green rider are never a good match. When you know the basics, then you can start teaching a young horse. As for the pedigree, a good barrel horse isn't necessarily one with the perfect pedigree, or one at all for that matter! My barrel horse is bred to be an outstanding hunter under saddle horse.

I agree with Lulubelle also. A green horse and a green rider are never a good match. When you know the basics, then you can start teaching a young horse. As for the pedigree, a good barrel horse isn't necessarily one with the perfect pedigree, or one at all for that matter! My barrel horse is bred to be an outstanding hunter under saddle horse.