Barrel Racing Tips Podcast

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The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast hosted by Heather Smith has a very clear mission - which is to help barrel racers WIN in the arena and in LIFE with education, inspiration and implementation for developing educated, confident, and competitive equine athletes. You'll gain valuable insights for bringing…

Heather Smith, Barrel Racer, Author and Creator of BarrelRacingTips.com


    • Mar 18, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 412 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast is an outstanding resource for barrel racers of all levels. Hosted by Heather Smith, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the world of barrel racing. As a listener, I have found that the information provided by Heather is invaluable and has greatly enhanced my understanding and abilities as a barrel racer.

    One of the best aspects of The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast is Heather's ability to verbally explain her own experiences and lessons learned in a way that is easily applicable to any horseback rider. Her insights into training methods, mental game strategies, and horse care are practical and effective. I appreciate how she emphasizes the importance of building strong foundations with your horse, both physically and mentally. This focus on fundamentals sets her apart from other barrel racers and adds a unique perspective to her teachings.

    Furthermore, Heather's podcasts are filled with valuable content that can be easily consumed on-the-go. Whether you're in the car or out for a walk, you can tune in to The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast and gain valuable insights to apply directly to your riding. The episodes are concise yet packed with information, making them easily digestible for listeners.

    While it's challenging to find any negative aspects of The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast, one potential downside is that some listeners may find certain topics repetitive if they have followed Heather's blog or read her books extensively. However, this repetition can also serve as reinforcement for important concepts and allows new listeners to quickly catch up on key principles.

    In conclusion, The Barrel Racing Tips Podcast is an exceptional resource for barrel racers seeking to improve their skills and deepen their understanding of horsemanship. Heather Smith's ability to translate her years of experience into relatable advice makes this podcast an invaluable tool for riders at any level. I highly recommend giving it a listen – you won't be disappointed!



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    Latest episodes from Barrel Racing Tips Podcast

    101 Tips for Barrel Racers Dealing with Extreme Winter Weather

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 24:26


    In episode 111 I shared 101 tips for not just getting through, but actually make the very most of what can feel like the harshest, joy-stealing season. For the article version of this podcast (with links), visit 101 Tips for Barrel Racers Dealing with Extreme Winter Weather at BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 37:49


    In episode 110 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening!

    The Four-Letter Secret to Greater Peace, Joy & Barrel Racing Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 13:29


    In honor of Valentines Day, in episode 109 I shared some reminders and perspectives that keep us focused on unwavering truths that support our happiness & success – in the arena and out. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Truth Series Recap – Reminders for Empowering Your Barrel Horses with Responsibility

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 18:41


    In episode 108 I shared a review of the recent three-part Truth Series on empowering our barrel horses with the THREE responsibilities. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Teach Your Barrel Horse to Maintain Body Shape for Better (Faster) Barrel Racing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 16:26


    In episode 107 I shared our horse's third responsibility, which is SHAPE. Yep, it's not OUR job to hold our horse's body's in place with perfect position, it's theirs! For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Free Your Barrel Horse from Emotions that Hold Back Athletic Potential

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 14:58


    In episode 106 I shared how less can be A LOT more when it comes to creating true emotional fitness in our barrel horses.  For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    How to Give Up Micromanaging and GAIN a Horse that LOVES Barrel Racing!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 18:48


    In episode 105 I shared a lesson in horse psychology, plus specific steps for how we can cause our horses to use the brains more, by using our reins less. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    In Search of SPEED – How to BE Explosive on the Barrel Pattern

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 16:25


    In episode 104 I shared tips to take the mystery out of maximizing speed, plus unconventional ideas for creating it, especially when all other avenues have been exhausted. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Your Barrel Racing Future + Barrel Horse Bitting and Horse Psychology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 29:10


    In episode 103 I shared a sneak peek into the new Barrel Horse Bitting resource coming soon to BarrelRacingTips.com, including the first section on the topic of Horse Psychology. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Four Tips for More Life Balance and Better Barrel Racing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 20:26


    In episode 102 I shared four tips for barrel racers who'd like to achieve more life balance, time and financial freedom to devote to their barrel racing. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    NFR in the Rearview – Tips from Top 15 NFR Barrel Racers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 36:32


    In episode 101 I shared tips and advice from top 15 NFR barrel racers, including their biggest challenges, lessons, horse care insights, and what it takes to go pro. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe to, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    What It Takes to Make NFR Barrel Racing Dreams Come

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 28:18


    In episode 100 I shared what it takes to make NFR dreams come true – including insights from both my own pro rodeo journey, as well as tips from the top 15. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe to, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    The Best Gift You Could Ever Give Your Horse (+ Yourself AND Others)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 25:18


    In episode NINETY-NINE I shared excerpts from my most popular barrel racing resources plus how to get several for free that aren't available anywhere else. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Form, BIT and Function – Choose and Use the Right Bits for Your Barrel Horses

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 29:42


    In episode NINETY-EIGHT I've taken you on a tour of the bridle rack in our home tack room, to help you choose and USE the right bits for your barrel horses. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    Barrel Racing Bit Anatomy and Biomechanics with Bitting Expert, Dave Elliott

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 18:51


    In episode 97 I shared how quality horsemanship depends on quality tools - one of the most important being the bits we use to develop our barrel horses. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe to, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    How to Select a Barrel Racing Bit for the Hard to Please Horse

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 15:35


    In episode  96 I shared how we can find the perfect bit, even for hard to please horses by meeting specific prerequisites + tips for ensuring acceptance of our training tools. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening!

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 32:31


    In episode 95 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Join me LIVE, Tuesdays at 6PM Central (4 PST / 5 MTN / 7 EST) on Social Media for QnA Tuesdays! Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening!

    Solve (and Prevent) Barrel Racing Problems at the Source for Lasting Solutions and Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 15:42


    In episode 94 I shared initial steps plus powerful perspective shifts for inspiring action to see and solve problems at their sources vs. address symptoms. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review the show - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Get Specific to Get Fast and Reveal Your Horse's Greatest Athleticism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 19:12


    In episode 93 I shared that quality is no accident, and included tips to get faster on the pattern by getting more specific with your horse's movement. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    To WIN It, You've Gotta MOVE It!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 11:27


    In episode 92 I shared inspiration and resources for overcoming obstacles and staying fit, healthy and competitive at every stage of your barrel racing career. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Critical Concepts for Creating Collection in the Barrel Horse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 17:19


    In Episode 91 I went beyond sharing the typical myths and misunderstandings about collection to deeper your understanding on what it REALLY is, and - HOW to create it! For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Four Ways to Solve Problems on the Barrel Pattern with Quality Counter Arcs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 25:07


    In episode 89 I shared several variations of ONE exercise that can solve (OR create) multiple problems on the barrel pattern, all depending on how it's performed. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Keep Riding – Inspiration to Jockey Actively (Despite Disappointment)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 15:22


    In episode 88 I shared some inspiring examples of passive vs. active persistence, and why we should train ourselves to “keep riding” in the arena, and in life. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Choose to Perceive Possibility on the Pattern (vs. Resignation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 13:40


    In episode 87 I shared that focusing on what we can do vs. can't, and what is possible vs. isn't can be the very key to our greatest barrel racing success. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    High Horse Training Standards or Crippling Perfectionism?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 16:30


    In episode 86 I shared that even when it's tempting to cut corners, we can actually be faster and more successful when we change our perspective and approach. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Secrets to Barrel Racing Success – She Rides to Win Podcast Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 74:17


    In episode 85 I shared a replay from the She Rides to Win Podcast where I talked about goal setting, avoiding self-sabotage and pre-run rituals to strengthen your mental game. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Are You Guilty of Stealing (from Your Horse)?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 17:58


    In episode 84 I shared that even when it's tempting to cut corners, we can actually be faster and more successful when we change our perspective and approach. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    The Naked Truth on Becoming a Horse(Wo)man

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 23:22


    In episode 83 I shared the valuable TRUTHS I realized about horses and humans, when I threw caution, halters and the rest of my tack to the wind. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Handcuffs for Horsemanship and More Principles for Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 21:04


    In episode 82 I shared specific takeaways from a teaching and learning experience with the power to take the limits off your horsemanship and barrel racing as well. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    A SHIP is a Vessel – Where is Yours Taking You?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 11:53


    In episode 81 I shared how I gave up my WORK-aholic ways + insights for nurturing your most important relationSHIPS and horsemanSHIP to ensure they take you where you want to go. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 38:16


    In episode 80 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Join me LIVE, Tuesdays at 6PM Central (4 PST / 5 MTN / 7 EST) on Social Media for QnA Tuesdays! Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Is Something Missing in Your Barrel Racing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 15:08


    In this replay of episode 79 I shared something unique and special that I want you to have to fast forward the achievement of your barrel racing dreams. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    The Real Purpose of Spurs – Lifting and Lateral Movement with Precision

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 15:13


    In episode 78 I shared the often misunderstood, proper use of spurs (which is not what you might think!), plus prerequisites for ultimate responsiveness. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Three Steps to Follow the Path of Least Resistance to the First Barrel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 11:12


    In episode 77 I shared three often overlooked, but critical qualities we must develop for a fast, efficient footfall on the barrel pattern and a consistent first barrel. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    It's All About the Ribs – Flex and Elevate Them for Ultimate Athleticism and Power!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 14:07


    In episode 76 I shared why achieving roundness through a horse's midsection – both latitudinally and longitudinally, is so important, plus how to achieve it. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 40:57


    In episode 75 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    The Truth About Chasing Your Barrel Racing Dreams

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 16:13


    In episode 74 I shared what to expect when chasing your barrel racing dreams, plus some encouragement for the journey - and why you don't have a choice. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    How to Take Your Time – and Clock Even Faster

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 7:51


    In episode 73 I shared some quick tips and considerations for correcting a horse that comes wide off the first barrel (or any barrel), and how slowing down can help speed us up. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Talk to the FEET for more Precision on the Barrel Pattern

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 12:48


    In episode 72 I shared insight and action steps for increasing our horse's willingness and understanding to place their feet appropriately and with good timing in all circumstances. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Success is in the Sequence - Are You Training Out of Order?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 12:07


    In episode 71 I shared the three simple priorities, and most importantly – their ORDER for developing successful barrel horses, that also serve as a guide for trouble shooting. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 37:19


    In episode 70 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Part II - STOP Enabling Your HOT Barrel Horse and START Empowering

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 12:52


    In episode 69 I shared the steps to take, including a specific exercise to correct impulsiveness and teach your horse to be responsible for their mental state. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Part I - STOP Enabling Your HOT Barrel Horse and START Empowering

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 17:55


    In episode 68 I shared the theory, horse psychology insights and benefits behind giving our horses the tools and ability to successfully manage their own emotions.  For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Five Non-Negotiable Lessons to Live By from the Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 11:57


    In episode 67 I shared the valuable life lessons I gained from an impactful summer spent on the road traveling with and learning from THE best teachers – horses. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    My Horse Doesn't Have a __________ Problem!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 15:30


    In episode 66 I shared some horse psychology insights that I discovered in the most unlikely time & place - and how they can transform your barrel racing! For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 41:40


    In episode 65 I shared the audio from a LIVE Barrel Racing Tips QnA session. Like and follow BarrelRacingTips.com on Facebook and @barrelracertips on Instagram to be notified when these LIVE Q&A's happen so you can join in and ask your questions! Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrelracingtips Instagram: @barrelracertips Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Are you MAKING Things Happen OR Allowing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 11:57


    In episode 64 I shared how we can CAUSE our ideas to become our horse's ideas to inspire more genuine effort, confidence and independence on the barrel pattern. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    How and Why to Use More Leg and Less Hands

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 27:14


    In episode 63 I shared how we can correct our micromanaging tendencies and develop more responsibility and responsiveness in our horses with a ‘less is more' approach. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Which is Best (and Faster) - Responding or Reacting?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 12:16


    In episode 62 I shared how to differentiate between responsiveness vs. reactivity in your horses, as well as tips for creating the quality that best supports your barrel racing. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

    Help Your Horse Learn Faster - and Clock Faster on the Barrel Pattern

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 11:20


    In episode 61 I shared that the best treat is a retreat, and how pausing to offer comfort, relief and reward can fast forward our horse's progress on the pattern. For many more barrel racing resources, visit BarrelRacingTips.com. Please subscribe, rate & review to help support on-going content and resources - thanks for listening! Click here to support the show.

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