Barrel Horse Drills with Carley Cervi
Carley Cervi, a distinguished two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and accomplished futurity horse trainer, provides a comprehensive insight into her training methods and horsemanship philosophy. From her preferred bits and mental game practices to her approach to caring for barrel racing horses as athletes, Cervi's expertise shines through. She demonstrates drills to train horses to move in and out off the circle, add speed using pole drills, and shape the shoulder in turns, all while emphasizing the importance of softness, respect, and good horsemanship. Cervi's dedication to her horses' well-being is evident in her meticulous approach to their care and training, whether she's teaching them to rate turns or developing a soft, smooth turning style. Additionally, she shares the profound impact of her National Finals Rodeo qualifying partner, "Radio," on her life and career, highlighting the importance of their partnership in shaping her success in the arena.
-
Making a Rodeo Horse
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi talks about how she works through the futurity process and into the rodeo ranks since that is her ultimate goal with her prospects.
-
The Telephone Pole Drill
NFR qualifier and futurity horse trainer Carley Cervi demonstrates a drill to train her horses to move in and out off the circle in response to subtle cues.
-
Adding Speed with the Pole Drill
Riding her 4-year-old futurity hopeful, NFR qualifier and futurity horse trainer Carley Cervi demonstrates how she adds speed using her pole drill.
-
Foundation for Training the Turns
Carley Cervi outlines the foundation she has in place on her barrel racing prospects before tackling the pattern.
-
Approach to the First Barrel and Position in the Turns
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi demonstrates her approach to first barrel and how she allows more room on the backside of the turn and why.
-
Rating the Turns
Carley Cervi demonstrates the expectations she has when teaching her young horses how to rate the turns.
-
Softening a Free Rolling Horse
Working her 4-year-old futurity prospect NFR qualifier Carley Cervi demonstrates how she keeps softness and respect through the pattern on a hotter type of horse.
-
Eliminate Shouldering Problems
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi shows where in the turn she prefers to shape the shoulder, which is an approach that eliminates the issue of shouldering.
-
Cruising Colts Through
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi makes sure her horses know when she's proud of the way they work and demonstrates what that looks like in a cruise-through session at the ranch.
-
Pre-Pattern Dry Work
Carley Cervi works her home-raised 3-year-old and explains how she gets him sharp before going to the pattern in preparation to cruise him through.
-
Fence Work
Dialing in on good horsemanship is key to Carley Cervi's training program. She shows us how she approaches fence work and talks about why exercises like working the fence are important to the process.
-
Figure-Eights for Quickness
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi demonstrates how she trains her horses to stay light and quick on their feet, as well as light in their faces through exercises like the figure-eight drill.
-
Body Position Through the Turns
Shali Lord demonstrates how to properly position a barrel horse for the turns.
-
Ride Times and Exhibitions
NFR qualifier and futurity trainer Carley Cervi explains her approach to the hauling and exhibitioning process.
-
Working a Ratey 3-Year-Old
NFR qualifier Carley Cervi shows how she develops a soft, smooth turning style in a ratey 3-year-old that is on track for the 4-year-old futurities.
-
Speeding the Feet Up vs. Slowing Them Down
Riding ratey versus free-running colts is a balancing act and Carley Cervi demonstrates how she takes a different approach to training opposite styles.
-
Horse Story: Carley Cervi and Radio
Carley Cervi talks about her National Finals Rodeo qualifying partner "Radio," what made him great, how he came into her life and how he changed the course of her life and career forever.
