1. Take Western Riding Lessons
To train for equestrian barrel racing, you must learn basic Western riding. Lessons are the best and fastest way to learn. You must know who to mount and tack up, walk, trot and canter and steer. Go to your local Western riding barn to get lessons on western riding. Take the lessons at least once a week for 6 months to gain the skills and muscles necessary.
2. Practice Obstacle Courses
As an intermediate horse rider, you must be able to control and navigate an obstacle course before you can begin barrel racing. Learn this important skill by setting up large obstacles. Hay bales, jump standards are good obstacles. Mark a circle in the dirt around the obstacles, no more than 1 foot away from the outer edges of the obstacle. Plot a course from one end of the paddock to the other, requiring you to go around these obstacles. Set a desired time result and then complete the practice run. Check your results against the benchmark. Deduct points for failing to clear the obstacles or for smearing the marks in the dirt by going too close. Repeat until you are able to meet the time and clearance requirements.
3. Practice Figure Eights
Figure eights in riding require the rider to form them at various speeds. The first one is large, covering the whole arena. The figure eights are progressively smaller getting closer and closer to the center. Practice the figure eight at the walk and then the trot. The purpose is to increase control and communication between horse and rider. As the skill improves, increase the speed to a canter and incorporate a flying lead change in the figure eight. This skill is necessary in barrel racing as the directions change.
4. Practice Neck Reining
Neck reining is a critical skill. Improve your level of skill with these exercises. Ride at a trot along a straight line in the middle of the arena. After 10 strides, move your horse 4 feet to the left and then return to the middle after four strides. From the middle, move your horse 4 feet to the right and then return to the middle after four strides. These exercises increase the communication between horse and rider and increase the level of control in neck reining.
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