From a working farm on the East Coast to top performances in the futurity arena, Dale Long has taken an unconventional route to success in the barrel racing industry. Known for his ability to bring along young horses and ride behind a variety of training styles, Long has established a reputation for consistency, work ethic, and patience.
In this episode of The Money Barrel, Long shares his path from early days driving draft horses and showing livestock at 4-H events to competing at major futurities and working with top-tier horses and programs. He discusses the challenges of being a first-generation competitor in the sport, the value of learning from mistakes, and the evolution of his training philosophy as his career has progressed.
Episode Highlights:
- How Long transitioned from driving horses for farm work to training for elite barrel racing competition
- What he learned from early experiences at the Judd Little Ranch and Sharon Kaye Hall’s program
- The story behind his first futurity horses and the missteps that taught him how to build stronger foundations
- His current approach to exhibitioning, conditioning, and pacing young horses during their 3- and 4-year-old years
- The role of regular veterinary care in maintaining soundness and confidence in young horses
- His experiences as a “jump rider” and what it takes to win on horses trained by others
“We didn’t have the money to buy a great one—I had to figure out how to make one.”
Dale Long
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