Question:

I am having trouble with getting my pockets. More so on the first barrel than the others. I am lucky that my horse can turn without pockets but.... I need pockets.  Is there anything I can do to be able to determine my pockets at different arenas????   I always feel that I have it and then I come home and look at my tapes and see that I am not giving enough pocket.

Martha's Reply:

When you practice, place some small Styrofoam cups or plastic cones on the ground about 2 ½ - 3’ away from the base of the barrel.  Learn to find the places on the ground where those cups are sitting and be sure that your horse’s feet go AROUND those cups and not over the top of them.  This will give you a reference in finding and maintaining a pocket around the barrel.