Barrel horse conformation?

kylendiamond · Member Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Posts: 69

Can anyone tell me what "barrel horse conformation" is? I am more "English" oriented, but I know that my QH would be better off western, he is definitely not a dressage horse or jumper.

He can move when he wants to, mostly very calm. I am thinking games/trails for him, but don't really know if it would be right for him. And I have him up for sale, and want to market him in the correct direction.

twotonepaint · Yearling Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Minnesota

I've shown barrels since I was 8 yrs old.... What I like to see when I'm looking for a barrel horse prospect is... First a shorter back and plenty of muscle in the back end to push themselves around those barrels. I also like my barrel horses between 15.1 and 15.3 any taller then that and it is harder to collect themselves around the barrels. I may not be the best person to ask, but I know what has worked for me. Razz

Inyureye · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:45 am Post subject:

Man, those barrel horses are fast, hot, and high! I watched a competition on the TV 'tother day. Although I've seen plenty of roping compeitions, I have never seen barrels. I always thought of barrels as sort of 4-H. Not so. Not so atall. Those horses were sitting in their rider's lap until they shot out into the arena. Around the barrel, they were practically sitting in the dirt, pivoting around their back engine. Hardly a pause to switch direction around a barrel. Very interesting. I'd like to see a good conformation picture of a barrell horse and a horse bred for a different performance, say, roping or something.
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