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 ...Dot Dot Dot...
Posts: 2043
 
Location: SW New Mexico | IMO, it isn't the amount of money one has .. I also have seen where people buy the big name horse and the big rig, and they cant place at a jackpot, but they go pro. They are living their dream.
I made my Turquoise circuit finals, and I did it on waitresswages and tips..
I saved and scrimped to afford diesel and entry fees..
I never ate out. Lived on cereal, milk, yogurt, and determination!
I had a fairly nice horse, and got lucky once in a while and placed. I had a camper, and a bumper pull slant load, with a blue heeler in the front seat with me.
I just recently survived a bad time in my life, and feel I am reborn.
I have a nice horse, Brother Dave.., and just bought the rig of my dreams. I have 10 years or so left(I'm 53) and want to pursue my goal, of living the gypsy life.. I love Pro Rodeo.
I will never be a Gold Card holder,that was a life long goal...but life handed me a lemon there(bad marriages) but at least I am trying.
My point to my rambling is.. teenager or not.. If the determination is there, and if one is NOT afraid of working and the sacrifices to get there.. I believe anything is possible!!!!
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Veteran
Posts: 131
Location: Georgia | There is no promise of tomorrow. Do it today have you have the means and ability. Congratulations to all age riders who make the NFR and accomplish whatever goal they seek. On the flip side there are many who have been riding all their life and cannot ride a lick...they still enjoy it though. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 596
Location: Somewhere in the middle of nowhere | barreldawgdad - 2014-04-24 1:58 PM There is no promise of tomorrow. Do it today have you have the means and ability. Congratulations to all age riders who make the NFR and accomplish whatever goal they seek. On the flip side there are many who have been riding all their life and cannot ride a lick...they still enjoy it though.
This is so true...
Edited by nmeastplains 2014-04-24 3:10 PM
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| P68 - 2014-02-04 7:24 PM Yeah it's interesting to learn about the many different types of riders. And yes there did not used to be an age limit (it is now 18) many of the greats first got to the nfr as teenagers. So it makes me think...if they're supposed to be in school and are not working full time, how do you fund barrel racing? Surely sponsors don't come knocking right away. So I agree with others -- support through others. $family$
If you don't have family $$$$, then you find a rich sugar daddy!
Honestly, I have wondered the same things you're asking about. As much as it costs to do it full time and without a full time job, there has to be deep pockets somewhere supporting you. From prior posts, I understand the sponsors mainly "pay" in products?? (That doesn't buy you a tank of diesel) |
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 Expert
Posts: 4801
| I think the youngest to goto the NFR was Rachel Myllamacki. I want to say she was 9-10 years old. Obviously before the rule change. Don't quote me. |
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Veteran
Posts: 104
| I agree, money helps, but don't we also get money at theses barrel races? Some make their living (a comfortable one at that) barrel racing, strictly. I think if you're at the point to where you are qualifying at the NFR the funds behind you is a mute point.
Correct me if I'm wrong. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1017
Location: New Mexico | Youngest qualifier was Ann Lewis in 1968, she was 9 or 10. |
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 Member
Posts: 24
| Being a fairly successful teen myself I'd like to add some points.
Sure these young women have great financial stability, but I'd like to add that most of them CREATED that financial stability for themselves. Many barrel racers are business owners and entrepreneurs not to mention extremely hard workers.
These ladies are incredibly dedicated and spend hours and hours each day learning, working out and training, not to mention driving around seasoning horses.
I have trained all of my own horses, the secret is sticking with them. You have to believe in your horse and not just flip them in order to succeed. I've seen so many girls who are on the verge of a break through, but then they sell their horse and never see success.
Many NFR riders train their own horses on the pattern. Sure a good support system really helps, but YOU are the one who does stuff for YOU. YOU have to get up in the morning, go ride, read books and workout. Nobody else is gonna do it for you. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1078
Location: MN | rodeomom4 - 2014-12-04 4:28 PM Youngest qualifier was Ann Lewis in 1968, she was 9 or 10.
Yep - Ann was the youngest to qualify at age 10 but never competed due to a fatal car accident right before the NFR. She was also the world champion that year as her lead held thru the 10 days.
Rachael was the the youngest to ever compete at age 11.
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10050
Location: Kansas | This thread is from 2014. 
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Member
Posts: 24
| Frodo - 2018-10-02 10:39 AM
This thread is from 2014.
Sooooooooo? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1170
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | I don't care how many times you girls spin this but it looks like to me with how many barrles are knocked over at the NFR that money is the biggest help. |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 3509
| mruggles - 2014-02-04 5:37 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-04 11:29 AM Teenagers can't qualify for the NFR, unless they're 18 or 19....you cannot buy a WPRA card until you're 18. Personally, I think what it takes is a superhorse. Some people luck into one and are also lucky enough to have a good support system to be able to make the NFR. I know Janet Stover sure isn't rich, but she made it there more than once, and I could name several more. Some people never get that super horse, so no matter how hard they work, if they're not mounted on something that can run with them, they're spinning their wheels, no matter how much money they have. If they have the money to buy a super horse, they still have to be able to ride that kind of horse, which let me tell you, is unlike your usual barrel horse. It's like going from a Volkswagen to a NASCAR. Everything happens quicker than you can think about it. So, IMO, you have to be very blessed, lucky, or whatever you call it, to have a great horse, and then be lucky enough to be able to afford going down the road and be able to keep that great horse sound. JMO rules must have changed....cause wasn't fallon 13 or 14 and same with charmayne when they made the nfr??????
m
i was thinking that to lindsey hayes THEN IN 68 ANN LEWIS POSTHUMous she was 10 |
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 Lady Di
Posts: 21552
Location: Oklahoma | Child labor laws went into effect in the 80's sometime, so the PRCA said that children under 18 could not be professionals that were paid compensation. They could only be amateurs. Therefore no one under 18 can have a card. That's why they now have the JUNIOR NFR. There hasn't been anyone under 18 @ the NFR since Fallon & she was grandfathered in because she already had a card. |
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Lady Di
Posts: 21552
Location: Oklahoma | Child labor laws went into effect in the 80's sometime, so the PRCA said that children under 18 could not be professionals that were paid compensation. They could only be amateurs. Therefore no one under 18 can have a card. That's why they now have the JUNIOR NFR. There hasn't been anyone under 18 @ the NFR since Fallon & she was grandfathered in because she already had a card. |
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