Riata Licensing Exam: Speed Events

If you would like to apply for a trainer's license in speed events, please answer the following questions. When you are finished answering them, please e-mail them to admin@riata-online.net.

  1. Knocking over a barrel or a pole induces what penalty?
  2. In pole bending, how many feet apart are each pole?
  3. What is the difference between Flag Racing, Plug Racing and the Dash for Cash?
  4. What is a common type of bit found on speed horses?
  5. What is unique about a barrel racing saddle?
  6. Why does a tie-down aid some speed horses?
  7. Define the following terms:
      Arc
      Rate
      Pocket
  8. Why is it beneficial to work horses on both large and small patterns? What problems could develop if you only work small patterns? Only large patterns?
  9. Describe 3 different barrel racing bits, what they are designed for and what they aid in.
  10. What is a common, major fault on the rider's part while turning a barrel?
  11. What are the best ways to keep your speed horses solid and calm?
  12. What is the weakest barrel for most barrel horses? Why?
  13. What is the standard barrel racing pattern size?
  14. Why is it necessary to have an adequate timer line distance?
  15. Training Problem: What is the main reason a horse will consistently knock the second barrel? What caused this? How do you fix it?
  16. Training Problem: You have a horse that consistently overruns the first barrel. Why is this? What caused it? How do you fix it?
  17. Training Problem: You have a gate sour horse. What caused this? How do you fix it?