�����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.