How to Reduce Barrel Racing Time

Purchase a lighter saddle. Just like with horse racing and other speed events, the weight of the equipment has a direct impact upon your speed. Using a lighter saddle and a lighter saddle pad can shave seconds off your time.

Lean forward in the saddle. This indicates to the horse that you want to go faster and will help keep your weight out of the seat of the saddle. Ideally, on the stretch between barrels, your chest should be directly above the horn of the saddle.

Feed the horse plenty of carbohydrates, fats and protein. A well-rounded grain supplemented with plenty of fiber (hay) will greatly increase his energy and, consequently decrease your barrel racing time.

Stretch the horse before barrel racing. This might mean pulling his head from side to side and holding it, or lifting each of the hooves and stretching it before you mount. A flexible horse will have greater speed on barrels.

Stop your horse from passing the barrel. Your goal is to get around the barrel as closely as possible to shave time, so practice trotting toward the barrel, then halting about one horse length before he arrives. Then walk around the barrel as closely as possible and take him into a trot again once you've circled it. This tells him to slow down and think about where he's putting his feet.

Practice downward transitions at least three times per week. You shouldn't be barrel racing more than every other day, so use the off days to increase the horse's flexibility and suppleness. When he can stop on a dime and turn easily, you'll have a better barrel racing time.

Lean into the turn. When you're going around a barrel, your body should mirror your horse's body, which means that it will be slightly inclined toward the barrel. This increases the horse's ability to turn it quickly and move on to the next one.