Well, I've seen people come off and beat the crap out of the horse... out of fear and loss of temper. Sometimes the horse was actually acting up to bring it on, but it's often counterproductive to just take their anger out on him. They're just punishing the horse for letting himself be caught again.
He's a good horse, and he just didn't understand what happened, probably thought he might be in trouble.
Any way to run the barrels in a different order, or move the barrels so it ~isn't~ the same spot of ground? Or just lope through and around the area on random paths without mishap. You never know which things are keyed in his mind that brought it on, and you could just change a few variables and see if it helps. Perhaps also work with him getting your foot in and out of stirrups in a controlled environment so that doesn't surprise him.
You know the funny thing was, even with me hanging off the side, he tried to make the second barrel turn....
He really is a good boy, and I feel bad for scaring him. It wasn't his fault at all. He's not a real people horse like Rusty. He can take pats or leave them. So I just don't know how to reassure him that he's not in trouble.
You know, even if a horse is trying to get you off, and you do come off, beating them is not the fix...I'd never do that. I feel bad just for making him keep doing it. But in the end that might help. I just won't know till tomorrow. I'm going to make sure tomorrow is smooth, easy and enjoyable.
Becky