Andrea Huft

     When looking for a barrel horse for myself, I always look for conformation that could stand the high demands of rodeo, a mind to handle the pressure, and a horse that was trained in a calm and collected manner.  These days it is easy to find horses with conformation and minds, but horses that are always calm and collected are very hard to find.  This is part of the reason why I have decided to train barrel horses.

    I have been very fortunate to learn from some great horsemen and women.  I've learned my horsemanship skills from John and JJ Hovde who have a natural way with horses.  They taught me to ride with a horse instead of against it.  A horse naturally wants to work, they just need to understand what the rider is asking.  The Hovde's helped me learn how to send that message in a way that a horse understands.  Mary Ketchum, a barrel racing legend of Montana and the Dakotas, taught me everything I know about barrels.  I started riding with her seven years ago and during that time I soaked all I could out of every ride with her.  She has helped me start some of her colts as well as my own and continues to teach me more every time I ride with her.

    When training a horse to run barrels, you first need to have a horse properly broke.  Having a horse that is soft in the mouth and responsive to your legs is very important in building a successful barrel horse.  I like a horse to have some miles out on the ranch before it ever sees a barrel.  Once the horse is broke and has seen some miles, it is ready for the barrel pattern.

    A good solid foundation is key to having a successful barrel horse.  I like to start my colts on the poles so that they learn to be responsive to my legs.  They become softer in the mouth and most horses enjoy the poles.  After being started on poles, the horse takes so much easier to the barrels.  I like a horse to make the same trip every time.  Repetition is key. The horse learns to be consistent when you train him that way, so I ride the horse the same trip every time whether it be a walk or a run.  I will not push a horse to go faster than it can handle.  When only going the speed that the horse is ready for, you build confidence in that horse.  A horse that is nervous has been pushed too hard too fast. Keeping the work slow, my horses learn that after making a run, they can settle right back down and walk through the pattern. Every experience on the barrels and poles should be good.  A horse's mind must be kept busy and fresh, so pasture riding is how I condition my horses and keep them tuned.

    My training program follows that of Mary Ketchum's.  She has always trained for a confident, consistent, and calm horse and I intend to do the same.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in having me ride for you.  References are available.