Speed / Barrel Racing
Intermediate
20 min
Run-Home Speed Drill
Focus: Speed, Straightness, Finish
Equipment: 3 barrels, Timer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- After the third barrel turn, the run home is a straight sprint to the finish.
- Practice the run-home portion specifically: set up at the third barrel, turn, and sprint home.
- The run home should be the fastest part of your entire run. No holding back.
- Keep the horse straight — any weaving wastes time. Look at your finish point and ride straight to it.
- Don't slow down until you're past the timer. Many races are lost by slowing too early.
- Practice 4-5 run-home sprints, focusing on aggressive but straight sprints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slowing down before the timer line because the horse anticipates stopping.
- The horse veering toward the gate or out-gate instead of running straight to the timer.
- Not riding aggressively enough on the run home, leaving time on the table.
- Pulling up too abruptly after the timer, which trains the horse to decelerate early.
Variations & Progressions
- Move the timer point further back so the horse sprints past its usual stopping point.
- Practice the run home from different angles to simulate different third-barrel exits.
- Time the run-home segment separately and work on consistent sprint speed.
Tip: The run home is free speed — no turns to slow you down. A horse that gives everything on the run home is a horse that wins by tenths of a second.
Shop Equipment at sstack.com
