Making Barrel Horses from Start to Finish
Get the inside track from world champion barrel racer Jordon Briggs and top trainer Justin Briggs as they reveal their proven methods for developing young horses into confident, consistent competitors. This Ride TV exclusive takes you step-by-step through the drills, techniques, and mental strategies that set future champions apart.
With Jordon, learn how to prepare colts for the fast-paced rodeo world, teaching them to handle pressure with minimal warm-up and adapt to any arena situation. Watch her calming drill for young horses that rush the barrel turn, how she chooses the right direction on the pattern, and her exhibition routine for 4-year-olds to build confidence and maintain correct posture and hand placement. Meet “Bluey,” her Pro Rodeo backup horse, and see the brain-calming exercises that keep him performing at his best.
Justin breaks down neck reining fundamentals for young horses, the importance of a back cinch early in training, and how to execute a forward turnaround drill to engage the hindquarters and maintain form during a run. He shares the benefits of the loping hackamore and how to introduce it for better forward momentum without bridle resistance.
Together, Jordon and Justin emphasize confidence-building through small wins, consistent positive reinforcement, and practical drills like rollbacks to increase power, direction, and smoothness in the run. Their combined expertise gives you a masterclass in barrel racing horse development, from handling anxiety to refining technical skills.
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Barrel Racing Posture
Jordon Briggs explains how important posture is in the barrel saddle. Correct posture in the saddle will set you up for success in the barrel pattern.
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Pulling to Your Hip Drill
Jordon Briggs demonstrates a versatile drill that benefits both colts and seasoned barrel horses. By guiding your horse's nose toward your hip, you can help relax their neck and encourage them to follow their nose with forward motion. This technique not only promotes a smoother, more relaxed turn...
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Confidence with Your Inside Rein
"Live by the outside rein, die by the outside rein." Jordon Briggs explains how having confidence in your inside rein is so important during a barrel run. Ashley Shafer taught Jordon Briggs a different hand position on her colts and showed us her inside rein secrets.
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Finding Confidence in Training
Jordon Briggs explains how she lost her confidence while on colts after not running Rollo while he was hurt. She shares what she has learned from Ashley Shafer and shows us new drills to gain more confidence in riding.
