When a horse starts diving into the barrel or over-bending through the turn, it’s a sign they’re thinking ahead—and losing time in the process. Whether it’s a young horse anticipating the turn or a seasoned horse trying a little too hard, the result is the same: dropped shoulders equals down barrels.
That’s where Amy Jo Reisdorfer’s Square Drill comes in. Watch it here.
Reisdorfer keeps it simple, working the horse around a barrel in a square shape instead of a perfect circle. The goal? To help the horse stand up, stay straight, and move freely through the turn without diving or leaning.
“Keep them good and free in the turn,” she explains.
By shaping the turn like a square, the horse learns to wait for the rider’s cue rather than anticipating where the barrel will take them. It also helps correct horses that get too round and lose forward momentum.
“I wait until my leg is past the barrel,” Amy Jo says. “Then I move the horse’s hip in at each point.”
Watch here.
PRO TIP: Work the square at both the trot and the lope, keeping the focus on form, body control, and timing. The key is to emphasize the straight lines between each corner—encouraging the horse to drive forward, lift their shoulders, and stay engaged from start to finish.
For horses that like to overwork the turn, this drill builds patience and balance. For younger horses still learning, it creates a foundation of control and confidence.
Whether you’re tuning up a futurity colt or keeping a finished horse honest, Amy Jo’s Square Drill is a simple, effective way to remind your horse that every good turn starts—and ends—with forward, free movement.
More fun reads:
3 Barrel Racing Drills Carley Cervi Swears By
Setting Boundaries: Ryann Pedone Explains Her Take on Barrel Drill with Poles
When Should You Go One-Handed on a Young Barrel Horse?
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