How to Run Your Own Race
Kelly Yates, an experienced barrel racer, delves into her methodical approach to bit progression for starting barrel racing prospects, transitioning from the ring snaffle to shank bits with increased leverage. She provides valuable insights into her selection of competition bits, tailoring each to suit the diverse styles of horses she encounters. Additionally, Yates reflects on the legacy of Firewater Fiesta and her preferences for bloodlines such as Bully Bullion and Jesses Topaz, which she introduced to the barrel racing futurity industry early in her career. Beyond training techniques, Yates emphasizes the significance of environmental awareness when horseback, drawing from personal experiences. She navigates the highs and lows of competitive barrel racing while customizing feed, supplements, and therapies to meet the individual needs of her horses. Offering practical advice, Yates discusses saddle safety, fit, and pad thickness, alongside considerations for tie-downs and splint boots. She shares her preferred rein length and techniques to prevent reins from flipping over a horse's neck during a run. Yates also highlights the importance of proper body position on the barrel pattern for maximum efficiency and explores how outside riding can help keep a horse's mind calm. Reflecting on her family's influence and favorite rodeos, she underscores the importance of running one's own race in the competitive arena.
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Bit Progression with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates discusses her bit progression when starting barrel racing prospects and how she advances from the ring snaffle to shank bits with added leverage.
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Barrel Racing Bloodlines with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates talks about the legacy of Firewater Fiesta and some of the other bloodllines she prefers, including Bully Bullion and Jesses Topaz.
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Racetrack Bloodlines Ridden by Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates talks about some of the racetrack bloodlines she introduced to the barrel racing futurity industry early in her career.
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Safety in the Warmup Area
The importance of being aware of your surroundings when horseback with Kelly Yates and how an injury personally impacted her perspective.
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The Importance of a Positive Mentality in Barrel Racing
Kelly Yates talks about handling the ups and downs associated with being a competitive barrel racer.
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Horse Care and Nutrition with Kelly Yates
How Kelly Yates customizes feed, supplements and therapies to the unique needs of her barrel horses.
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Safety check and Saddling with Kelly Yates
Saddle safety check with Kelly Yates.
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Selecting the Right Saddle Pad with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates talks more about saddle fit, pad thickness and shows the stirrup hobble on a barrel racing saddle.
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Different TieDown Designs and their Purposes
A look at different types of tiedowns and the circumstances in which you might consider using one with Kelly Yates.
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Correct Use of Splint Boots
Kelly Yates demonstrates the proper and improper application of splint boots.
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Rein Length with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates talks about her preferred rein length and a couple of gimmicks she uses to keep her reins from flipping over the horse's neck during a run.
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Pattern Basics with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates talks more about saddle fit, pad thickness and shows the stirrup hobble on a barrel racing saddle.
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Aprroaching and Rating the First Barrel
A look at different types of tiedowns and the circumstances in which you might consider using one with Kelly Yates.
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Gate Issues
Kelly Yates demonstrates the proper and improper application of splint boots.
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Riding Outside with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates shares how outside riding helps keep a horse's mind quiet.
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Body Position in Your Saddle During a Run
How a rider's body position in the saddle during a run impacts their horse.
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Family Ties with Kelly Yates
Kelly Yates shares how her family has positively impacted her professional career.
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Favorite Rodeos
A few of Kelly Yates' favorite rodeos.
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Best Advice with Kelly Yates
The importance of running your own race.
