Taking it to the Bank
T
he first barrel in barrel racing is known as the ‘money barrel” because the outcome of the first turn determines the fate of your barrel run. Getting a clean, sharp turn is key. Think getting that type of turn with a Standardbred is impossible? Think again!
Snuffa retired in 2014, he introduced many to the versitilty of Standardbreds. Jackets, saddles, and, cash jackpots are the tangable results of the gelding’s abilities but Scott reports that people just love watching the honest gelding doing what he loves.
One of the first things that trainer Haylie Harshbarger explains to anyone who is interested in running barrels is that a good barrel horses is a very broke horse. They have a solid foundation of training that allows for extreme acceleration, lateral bending and balance. With time and training Standardbreds of all ages can gain that much needed foundation. Harshbarger was first introduced to barrel racing Standardbreds by Snuffa. The 16.1 gelding was tearing up the Ohio International Barrel Racing Association (IBRA) Open 3 and 4-D circuit. Bought at an Amish sale as a yearling, Snuffa was originally a high school project for Christina Scott. Horse and rider grew up together, forming a part- Snuffa and Christina Scott following their Open 4-D nership that still exists 22 years later. Although win at the 2007 IRBA Ohio State Finals.