Rider Technique

Get Off To A Great Start

Techniques for Course Entry and Management

 

I’m often asked, “What should you do with your horse upon entering the arena, just before you get the nod to go?”  And it’s a good question—the few seconds before we start a run is critical and can make or break a good pattern.

 

There are different methods of hitting the starting line, to get your horse in perfect line to cross the timer and be in perfect position to hit the first target.  I use three techniques: The Circle, The Rail Peel-off, and the Turn, Point and Go. I actually use all these techniques; the horse and the pattern determine which one I use.  You can figure out what works for you through trial and error. Remember—everyone is different; what works for me may not work for you. But there is a common thread for all 3 techniques: you must position your horse to start on the correct lead for the pattern in front of you to be as smooth as possible!

 

The Circle
Circling your horse when you start is the easiest way to get him into the correct lead and put him at a nice, smooth speed to cross the timer.  That’s why I recommend this to all my novice shooters and for my young horses.  This method settles many horses and riders down and gets them focused for the task ahead.  I recommend that you practice riding small, flowing, concise circles at home in both directions. If you can’t do this at home, you won’t be able to do it in competition. Remember, you don’t have tons of space in front of the timer, so small, concise circles are key.  And when you’re circling, look ahead at the first target so you can release your horse straight across the timer to the first balloon.

 

The Rail Peel-off
 If the circle is not for you and your horse wants to get down to business, use the rail to “peel off” and get your horse in the correct lead for the pattern ahead. First, assess the location of the first target and note the lead that will get you straight to the first balloon.  Ride your horse parallel to the rail (this will help pop his correct lead), slowly accelerate and arch out to go directly across the timer at a quick pace.

 

Turn, Point and Go 
Some advanced shooters do this on seasoned horses.  After 10 years, my Costa is a Point and Go kind of guy; he just about has a heart attack when he has to circle because he’s so hungry to enter the course of fire!  Also, some horses that are “arena sour” just don’t need time to think about what’s coming up.  In these cases, the best thing to do is pick your point of take-off before you enter the arena, so you’re not dinking around and wasting time. Before your turn, analyze the course, and note the position of the first target and the path of the pattern to determine where you are going to start.  After the balloons are set, bring your horse into the arena, turn him in the direction of his correct lead, point his nose, look ahead and Go!  You’re basically starting from a stand-still, so make sure you are at your speed going across the timer.

 

When using any of these methods, the most direct line across the timer to the first target is definitely the most efficient and fastest.  Sometimes I see competitors cross the timer on the opposite side of the first target; they are adding seconds onto their run before they even hit their first target.  It’s basic geometry: take the shortest line to the first target.  Slight angles are fine if the course is set up for that and helps you make a smooth entrance. Smooth is fast; fast is smooth.  So get off to a great start on the correct lead, attack the course of fire with confidence—and smile all the way, of course!

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