Agility and Speed
Barrel racing is a timed rodeo contest that requires the horse to move at top speed in a clover leaf pattern, rounding the barrels as closely as possible to save time. The rider urges the horse to maintain a flat-out pace and guides him around the barrels, using her weight to help him balance. The horse knows the routine as they practice for hours and hours. Notice how well balanced the woman is in her saddle. This helps the horse to hug the barrel and get a good take off for the run to the next barrel.
It's all in the wrists
Bull dogging. The cowboy chases a fleeing and frightened steer and then must leap from his galloping horse to grab the steer’s horns. Then as the steer tries to run away, he must wrestle the 500 lb. animal to the ground. Not easy!
Most children who grow up on a cattle ranch learn these skills as part of ranch work and part of ranch play.