Faster, straighter, safer runs.
Tune-ups, colt starting and problem-horse work from a champion barrel racer who rides every horse herself.
Rank Equine trains barrel horses at its 110-acre ranch near Jacksboro, Texas. Champion barrel racer Lexi Rankin personally handles tune-ups for seasoned horses, starts colts on the barrel pattern, and fixes problem barrel horses, with a priority on safe, repeatable speed. Horses are accepted from any state; call 817-600-3575.
Honest, results-driven barrel horse work.
We train horses and riders with one priority: speed that is safe and repeatable — horses that run square, handle the setup and leave the pattern with confidence.
That means conditioning that builds quickness without costing the horse its longevity, simple pattern practice that emphasizes rhythm and pivot, and consistent, measured progressions. The ranch is set up for individual needs — a short, focused tune session, a multi-week colt-starting plan, or a corrective plan for a horse that needs a reset.
Built around your horse.
Tune-Ups
For finished or started horses that need a reset, more rate or smoother turns. We focus on entry points, gate timing and a short series of focused pattern runs that sharpen reaction and balance.
Colt Starting
For 2–4 year olds headed to the barrel pattern. Soft feel, body control and real-world exposure first, then poles, gradual pattern work and careful speed development.
Problem Horses
Hesitant at the first barrel, flat in the turn, inconsistent out of the alley. We check tack, soundness and balance, simplify, and rebuild the habit so the fix sticks.
Conditioning
Long trotting and conditioning work to build stamina and quickness while protecting soundness — the foundation every fast horse runs on.
Groundwork & Manners
Respect, softness and a horse that is a pleasure to handle, haul and ride — before and after the run.
Rider Coaching
We don’t just train the horse. Riders learn to read a setup, rate to the turn and finish straight, so progress carries home.
Lexi Rankin, hands-on.
Lexi focuses on clean runs and reliable horse behavior. Her approach is plain and direct: set clear goals, break work into short focused sessions, and measure progress by the horse’s attitude and repeatability in the pattern.
She emphasizes correct fundamentals — a balanced canter, proper engagement into the turn and a soft, steady hand — so horses can handle speed without losing rhythm. She works green prospects and seasoned performers alike, with a plan matched to each horse’s physical and mental stage.
— Lexi
From first call to first run.
Talk it through
A call with Lexi about your horse, its history and your goals.
Evaluate
Lexi rides and assesses the horse — soundness, tack, balance, habits.
Train with a plan
Short, focused sessions with measured progressions and rest built in.
Hand off
You ride the horse with Lexi and leave knowing how to keep it tuned at home.
Straight answers.
How long does a barrel horse tune-up take?
It depends on the horse. Some horses only need a short, focused session before a big weekend; others need a few weeks to rebuild a habit. Lexi will tell you honestly which one your horse is after she sees it work.
What age do you start colts on the barrel pattern?
Colt starting is ideal for 2–4 year olds you want to point toward barrels. Colts get soft feel, correct body control and real-world exposure first, then poles, gradual pattern exposure and careful speed development — never rushed.
Can you fix a barrel horse that hesitates or runs past the first barrel?
Often, yes. Lexi checks the basics first — tack fit, soundness and balance — then simplifies the plan and rebuilds the habit with short, repetitive, confidence-building work. The goal is to fix the cause so the result sticks, not chase a quick fix.
Do you train horses for owners outside Texas?
Yes. Horses come to Rank Equine for board-and-train from out of state, including from Alabama. See the out-of-state page for how to plan the trip.
Let’s talk about your horse.
Tell Lexi where your horse is today and where you want to be. She’ll give you an honest read and a plan — whether you’re down the road in Jacksboro or hauling in from out of state.