This is one of my go-to drills
It helps teach you and your horse the cues you’re going to use when approaching and turning the barrel. With some repetition of this drill, you use your hands less and your body more, making your communication with your horse light and responsive!
I love these types of drills away from the barrel pattern that instils the same concept you use on the pattern.
Work on having your hands quiet, hold the horses shape consistently and use your body and legs to move from barrel to barrel. Circle the barrel with enough space that your horse can move freely and most importantly smoothly. Once that is accomplished at a trot, feel free to try it at a lope and perfect it at that speed.
Good luck with this, if you have any feedback, I would love to hear it!