Yes and No. Part of the problem that both Jenny and I had was really not ours or the horses fault. Going to the second barrel we were running at a wall. This arena is open on 3 sides. I've been told that running at a solid wall can really throw a new horse off, so we are assuming that is what happened. Dot was really trying to duck off, wasn't moving over to get in postion for the barrel, and knocked it over. Harley got about 1/2 way to it and started zigzagging like he didn't know where to go, and almost came to a complete stop about the time I was ready for the turn. Once I turned him he went to 3rd barrel and made a beautiful turn. Our first barrel, he broke to a trot, because (and this is what I'm most unhappy about in regards to myself), I wasn't going fast at all. I got really nervous, because we were going into this arena blind. We did not get to go into the arena before the race started and warm them up. I let that get to me thinking he'd be spooky going in, but he seemed fine, till we headed for the 2nd one and that is understandable. I didn't expect to be a speed demon, but I've done better then that, and I was mad at myself for being a wuss:). But the third barrel and the run home were good for me. I think if we had done some exhibitions we would have done better. Jenny and I because of our experience with a horse she use to have are leary of blowing a horse up by working on the pattern too much. But we learned with a new horse it might not hurt to do a few trot/lope thrus to get their minds on what is expected.
Neither Dot or Harley have done this enough to really have figured out what they are going to be doing when we get to one of these. A seasoned horse like Rowdy, probably knows what's coming as soon as they get there. Dot and Harley are still figureing that out.
Becky
Don't be too hard on yourself, confidence, yours and Harley's, will come in time, if you are cautious and don't do anything dangerous. Speed will come later, I think it's perfectly reasonable to err on the side of slow.