Few equestrian sports are more exciting than barrel racing, in which horse and rider carve a lightning-fast cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, then gallop down to the finish line. Time is measured in hundredths of seconds, and winners receive substantial prize money and the admiration and respect of fellow competitors and spectators alike. As thrilling as barrel racing is to watch, doing it is even more fun, as thousands of people are discovering every year. To help them--and you--get started, champion racer and internationally respected instructor and clinician Marlene McRae shares her program that has taken hundreds of her students to success in the arena, as well as to becoming educated horsemen and-women: * Selecting Your Champion Horse: Choosing a barrel-racing prospect based on conformation and temperament; finding a qualified veterinarian to help you assess the prospects. * Choosing and Using Equipment: Determining the right saddle, bridle (including bits), leg protection, and other tack to buy, as well as their proper fit and use. * Feeding and Nutrition: Establishing a basic commonsense feeding regimen for your horse; the role of supplements, as well as their possible misuse. * Shoeing and Foot Care: Proper foot care, with an emphasis on working with your farrier and veterinarian to avoid foot- and leg-related injuries. * Conditioning and Exercising: A comprehensive program for developing your horse's stamina and fitness, along with ways to avoid unsoundness problems. * Getting Started in the Barrel-Racing Patterns: How to set up the pattern correctly; techniques for training the horse, with an emphasis on rider position, balance, and using hands, legs, and voice as communication aids. * Competing: Locating entry-level local events, clubs, and associations; the "mental game of competing to stay focused; achieving teamwork with your horse." Barrel Racing 101 is the perfect textbook for the sport. Study it and use it, and you're bound to finish at the top of your class.

This is the first-ever book that shares the training techniques and philosophy of Charmayne James, the most successful barrel racer in history. Charmayne shares her novel methods in her own words. Also included are vignettes of horses and riders that illustrate Charmayne's approach to identifying and correcting problems and mistakes, as well examples and experiences from over twenty years as a world class competitor in this exciting event.

Barrel racers put a lot of effort and expense into improving their skills and developing their horses. But even when they seem to be doing everything right, it's not uncommon to continuously miss the mark in competition. The problem often lies in inconsistencies or weaknesses in the rider's inner game - the aspects of competition that aren't always easy to see, but have perhaps an even greater impact on our end results. Finally, a resource has been created to assist barrel racers on the path to truly becoming more confident from the inside out. The Confident Barrel Racer covers eight key areas and concludes with two special bonus sections. Challenges of Competition - Develop awareness that prevents you from falling victim to the dangers that exist in the competition environment. Fierce Love - Get off the endless roller coaster of emotions to develop a steady, unwavering level of confidence regardless of your circumstances or results. Self & Source - An introduction to two key relationships, that when developed and nurtured, will turn your life around. Four Steps to Confidence - A step-by-step guide to creating confidence, by helping you to first master change in the moment, then offering support all the way through integration. Be Here Now - Today is a gift, that is why we call it the present. Learn how to be in the moment, the perfect mental space to be in a run, where self-doubt cannot exist. Practices - Being a winner in the arena means developing winning habits in all aspects of life. Develop practices in three areas to optimize your confidence. Tips for Competition - Specific action steps for overcoming nerves, getting into the perfect mindset, and creating laser-like focus to perform your best. Confidence Smashers - Have past experiences, horses, or people damaged your confidence? Get tips for overcoming past and present challenges. The Confident Horse - There's more to developing a confident horse than just being a confident rider. Learn how to build your equine partner's confidence. Additional Resources - Recommend books, programs and more for further personal development and confidence building.

Do you ever feel stuck in your barrel racing, wondering what you could be missing? Have you developed a strong foundation in yourself and your horses, and seem to be doing everything right - but still aren't clocking in competition? If so, this book is in the right hands. After sharing the "Secrets to Barrel Racing Success" in Vol. 1 of the BarrelRacingTips.com series, then "The First 51 Barrel Racing Exercises to Develop a Champion," author Heather Smith's collection of exercises comes full circle in "The Next 50 Barrel Racing Exercises for Precision on the Pattern." In this book, she's shared advanced exercises with the power to reveal true potential in horse and human alike - including steps for more quickness and agility in a run, groundwork for balanced equine biomechanics, fine tuning techniques for each individual barrel, as well as entire chapters dedicated to the subjects of engagement, refining maneuverability and speed development. Most importantly, Heather has shared the critical and lesser known concepts for understanding the "how, when, where and why" for applying any exercise; making this a unique and valuable resource - enabling you to just know what your horse needs in any circumstance, and provide it with perfect timing. Whether your goal is to take your barrel racing to the next level or the highest levels, these 50 exercises have the power to take what's already good and make it great by refining your horse's responsiveness, form, and responsibility, as well as prepare you to be the athletic, confident jockey your horse deserves. If you're ready to shave time off the clock and enter the alley with confidence - knowing you've developed a horse that is fit, strong, educated, connected and prepared to WIN, "The Next 50 Barrel Racing Exercises" is for you.

Discusses the behavior of horses, describes the basic methods for training horses, and recommends solutions for common difficulties with controlling and handling horses.

Invaluable advice for preparing horse and rider for competition

Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is packed with information that teaches you the ins and outs of the racetrack. You’ll learn how to improve your odds, avoid common betting mistakes, and just plain have fun at the races. This is a spectator’s easy-to-understand guide, so you’ll have no trouble identifying the racing breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, sizing up the jockey, understanding the importance and role of a trainer, placing bets, managing money, and beyond. Can’t make it to the track? No worries! You’ll get the scoop on online betting with off track betting sites and apps. This update covers the latest changes in the betting world and in the racing world, so you’ll know just what you’re wagering. Learn about the different types of horse racing Discover and identify the best racing breeds Know your jockeys and trainers Make smart wagers and manage your funds For beginning betters, Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is your ticket to well informed wagers and a winning edge. Already know the ropes? You’ll love the market trends and insider tips you’ll find inside.