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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
 
Location: TN | What do ya'll do to control your nerves before you make a run at a race or a rodeo?
My nerves  sometimes get my heart racing and I know that negatively affects my horse and myself so I'm looking for a way to stay calm and focused so I can make the best run possible. |
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  Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
  
Location: CTX | Excellent question. Would love to know as well!
Edited by cranky B4 10am 2013-11-26 9:37 PM
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | Focus on the tasks that I must do so that my horse can work to his best. For me, this is the first year in a long time I had only a single horse to run. He was just a baby so I had to be prepared to hepl him when he needed it and know when to back him down so that he could run smooth. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 563
Location: Small Town Iowa | It's different for everyone. But what works for me is to mentally remind myself of the task at hand and how to do my best at accomplishing it, like look at your pocket and not the barrel or keep your hands in a forward motion and NO CHICKEN WINGS. LOL. . Also, I pray. I'm not a supper religous go to church every sunday type person, but this really helps me before a run, just a simple prayer no hail mary's or anything. I don't get into the warm up area super early to let myself become worked up about the "what if's" and that doesn't allow my to focus on the negative things that could go wrong. Like falling during a turn or knocking a barrel. These work for me, good luck finding what works for you. |
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 Big Gun
Posts: 2216
Location: Texas | get some music going, relax your legs and toes or try to talk to someone before you run to keep breath going into your body and so your mind will not be trying to think of a million things at once. I saw an older lady talking to the gate man as she ran in and when she rain out she was smiling and happy with her run, I decided right then and there I was going to have fun because this might be my last run. Its just a barrel race, there will be others every weekend, relax and dont put so much pressure on yourself because it affects you and your horse. God speed |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 473
| Listen to a "pump up song" to get me motivated. . . sometimes take a calming cookie? lol
Not sure what kind of music you like. . . These two are my favs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thm0-S3wNt8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDvr08sCPOc (explicit)
They totally get me in a zone. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| The only thing I have found to hold my nerves is right before my run say a prayer and ask God to be with my horse and I, enter the alley take a deep breath and go! Always had a hard time but this has seemed to get my mind of overthinking my run! |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | talk to folks. Not just how's the weather, but try and strike up a light hearted coversation. I have one kid that we make up the most ridiculous stuff to talk about while waiting her turn, but as long as I can keep her laughing until she's in the alley, we're all good! |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I get so nervous before I run, that I gag. I haven't barfed down the side of my horse yet, so I live with it. I can usually be found walking my horse before a run alone. I concentrate on what a perfect run looks like in my head and hit repeat. Depending on which horse I'm on, I concentrate on remembering what to do for which horse. I've found that if I don't gag, usually something goes wrong. Probably because my head isn't in the game. |
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Veteran
Posts: 294
| I get very nervous as well and I have been running for over 10 years. It almost gets worse as I get older. Its not a fear of getting hurt its a fear of not making that perfect run for me. Once they call my name I'm fine but if I'm waiting on deck or in the hole I could puke. Once I get thru the gate its all gone. I'm getting nervous just typing this. HA HA HA I do strike up alot of conversations and it does help. I just hate it when people talk to me right before I go in. I can't be having a conversation while I'm going into the gate. |
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Veteran
Posts: 294
| Oh and I try not to watch the other barrel racers runs. That really gets me going. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
| this is me too! I have said a prayer, gone over the image of a good run in my head, tried to remember this is supposed to be FUN, talked with people, walked my horse far away from the arena, sat next to the arena to get motivation...etc. etc etc.! Typically no matter what I try I end up trying not to faint as the horse before me makes his run. God help me if I am after a drag and have to wait that out too Typically the second my horse takes off my nerves are gone, but up to that point. GEEZ.
I never used to get so nervous, It sucks! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | Thank you all! These are all such great suggestions! I like the idea of praying, focusing on what I need to do, talking to someone, and listening to music.  I'm going to a barrel race Friday and Saturday so I'll definitely try these things out. I've only competed on my horse a few times and each time I seem more nervous - I guess because I'm putting more pressure on myself each time to do better. So you're right I just need to calm down, not put so much pressure on myself, and just go have fun and make a good run. Thank you all again, you're the best! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I pray, pet my horse and tell them how much I love them, listen to music, sing to my horse, talk to people but not so much that I get distrcated. Just let my horse be and not school them which gets me and them nervous. I STILL get nervous but all of this has helped. ALso, try to establish a very consistent routine and don't get on your horse too early, this will cause you to have TIME to get more nervous. It just depends on the horse also but if you get REALLY nervous get off your horse and walk it, I used to have a horse that was CRAZY, he would rear and throw a HUGE fit and I would get even more nervous so I'd have someone walk him for me so my nerves didn't brush off on him and get on him just in time. I always try to remind myself that ALL my family and friends will STILL love me no matter how bad I do, that I will still have a home to go back to and that I have a better life than most people. Lol, all those things seem to help me out! Good LUCK!!!!!!!! :) have fun with it, if it's not fun then you shouldn't be doing it. |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | KatieMac88 - 2013-11-27 8:42 AM Thank you all! These are all such great suggestions! I like the idea of praying, focusing on what I need to do, talking to someone, and listening to music. I'm going to a barrel race Friday and Saturday so I'll definitely try these things out. I've only competed on my horse a few times and each time I seem more nervous - I guess because I'm putting more pressure on myself each time to do better. So you're right I just need to calm down, not put so much pressure on myself, and just go have fun and make a good run. Thank you all again, you're the best!
Don't forget to take a DEEP breath, hold, exhale slowly, repeat. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 204
| I say a quick prayer, a Bible verse, and then tell my horse that I love him no matter what happens! I don't care if people see me talking to myself and my horse...calms me down!!! |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | I have had a huge problem with this too. Heck, my hands shake when I show halter or trail at an open show and im just schooling! I've tried taking a drink before running to knock the edge off and that has helped a small bit but wasn't a solution really. I've tried all the mental imaging and relaxation techniques too and that hasn't helped either. The last two show runs I've made I've noticed an improvement in my nerves. I think its because I'm just now getting to the point where I can think during my run and I feel more in control and that makes me feel more confident. I think rriding more in 2 point and riding english a lot more has done that. I think if I can increase my confidence and feel in my head, "I've got this, lets go do this" my nerves automatically decrease. I think getting stronger and feeling more in control accomplishes that. Something else that Ive noticed makes a big difference is food. If I havent eaten or I have eaten junk my sugar levels drop and I get shaky easily. Best food for me before a run is peanuts and turkey. Turkey has natural tryptophane in it which calms you down. Plus its protein so it levels out the sugar too. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | roxieannie - 2013-11-27 8:57 AM KatieMac88 - 2013-11-27 8:42 AM Thank you all! These are all such great suggestions! I like the idea of praying, focusing on what I need to do, talking to someone, and listening to music. I'm going to a barrel race Friday and Saturday so I'll definitely try these things out. I've only competed on my horse a few times and each time I seem more nervous - I guess because I'm putting more pressure on myself each time to do better. So you're right I just need to calm down, not put so much pressure on myself, and just go have fun and make a good run. Thank you all again, you're the best!
Good reminder, thanks! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | Fairweather - 2013-11-27 8:58 AM I have had a huge problem with this too. Heck, my hands shake when I show halter or trail at an open show and im just schooling! I've tried taking a drink before running to knock the edge off and that has helped a small bit but wasn't a solution really. I've tried all the mental imaging and relaxation techniques too and that hasn't helped either. The last two show runs I've made I've noticed an improvement in my nerves. I think its because I'm just now getting to the point where I can think during my run and I feel more in control and that makes me feel more confident. I think rriding more in 2 point and riding english a lot more has done that. I think if I can increase my confidence and feel in my head, "I've got this, lets go do this" my nerves automatically decrease. I think getting stronger and feeling more in control accomplishes that. Something else that Ive noticed makes a big difference is food. If I havent eaten or I have eaten junk my sugar levels drop and I get shaky easily. Best food for me before a run is peanuts and turkey. Turkey has natural tryptophane in it which calms you down. Plus its protein so it levels out the sugar too.
I hadn't thought about eating affecting my nerves so that's a good point! When I'm nervous I don't like to eat a lot so maybe if I can force myself to eat something healthy and light before I warm up that will help. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| If you get nervous right when you get on your horse, try to stay off him/her a little longer then do a shorter warm up. I personally like to warm up by myself and get in the zone and then about 5-10 riders before me I will talk to my husband or a friend to get the nerves out. I like to talk about things not related to barrel racing. Right before I enter the arena I say a little prayer for my horse and other competitors. Always think positive when you enter the arena! I think being a little nervous is a good thing but keeping it under control can be hard. |
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Veteran
Posts: 294
| I don't eat on race days. Just too nervous. I will keep saltines in my truck. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | I had a horse a few years ago that could feel me tense up so well he wouldn't go into the gate. I started making myself having a loose set of reins a few minutes before I had to go into the arena and also kicking my feet out of the stirrups and let them hang low. It made my body relax more and grip him less. Possibly try loosening your body up a little and try to relieve those nerves through your loose body. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | I stay as far away from the arena as I can. I rarely go to a barrel race by myself so if I have to I will have someone let me know when I'm close to run. I have music on my phone so while I'm off riding I play the music on my phone. It keeps my mind off of it and helps keep us both calm. |
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Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Too far from home | Everyone is different as I'm sure you know : ) I can only tell you that personally, I get too relaxed and need to kind of kick myself in the pants.
I read a couple of good books. Mind Gym and 10-Minute Toughness. I enjoyed reading Mind Gym, but 10-Minute Mental Toughness does a great job of laying out what you can do before a run to prepare yourself. I wish I was better at doing the daily exercises because I firmly believe that barrel racing is HUGELY a mental game.
Good luck and have fun! |
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 Winner winner chicken dinner
Posts: 2047
Location: California | KatieMac88 - 2013-11-28 7:01 AM roxieannie - 2013-11-27 8:57 AM KatieMac88 - 2013-11-27 8:42 AM Thank you all! These are all such great suggestions! I like the idea of praying, focusing on what I need to do, talking to someone, and listening to music. I'm going to a barrel race Friday and Saturday so I'll definitely try these things out. I've only competed on my horse a few times and each time I seem more nervous - I guess because I'm putting more pressure on myself each time to do better. So you're right I just need to calm down, not put so much pressure on myself, and just go have fun and make a good run. Thank you all again, you're the best!
I am taking riding lessons with a non-barrel trainer, just to get my young horse broke and my riding up to par. I love her take on the barrel racing world because it's an outside perspective. When I get nervous or need my horse to settle down, one thing she recommends is to hum to her. Not only is the sound soothing to my horse but humming forces you to take long deep breaths. It doesn't really help my nerves too much, but it seems to help from transfering them to my horse. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 101
Location: would like to be where it does not snow | I personally try to stay as calm as I can, easier said than done. I do read a lot of mental toughness books. Talk to someone to help from focusing too much on your nerves. I do know people I travel with that are opposite and do not like to talk to any one before they run, they totally prefer to get in their own zone. So everyone has a different way for them. Good luck. |
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Veteran
Posts: 231
Location: Nashvegas | I try to time it where I am not in the arena until 10 before and not on my horse more than 20 -30 before, too much time to think. Then I am in the back corner praying and singing. You can't hold your breath while singing and a happy tune will make you relax I found. Also, the day of, i will avoid ALL caffeine, this really seemed to help keep my nerves down. I am an AVID coffee drinker but not on those days. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 224
Location: Southern OK aka God's Country | Xanax |
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 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | I get really nervous the day of a rodeo. Like all day at work I'll notice little butterflies in my stomach. I'm good at the house ad loading up, but the closer we get, the worse I am. By the time I get to the rodeo, I unload my horse and leave him alone to go calm my own nerves, because he is perfectly fine LOL. After I chill out and can feel the adrenaline start to calm down, I'll go saddle up and if its time, get on. Once I climb in, I'm good through the warmup. If I end up have some time to kill, I'll find a spot out of the way to just stand and let my horse relax. I think about past good runs, or find something to focus on. Last weekend we stood and watched the bucking stock wander around the back pens. I try to lose focus, or zone out a bit. When I find myself starting to get anxious again(right before the barrels start), I get off and tighten my saddle and make sure everything is ready to go. I might find a fence to sit on, a friend to talk to, or just lead T-Bo around until a couple girls before me. Then I climb on and head towards the alley. T-Bo is not bad at all, but feeds off of my nerves. Once we are headed to the alley, the nerves vanish and I am ready to roll. It is a constant effort trying to keep my nerves in check to keep him calm. If I can do that, he had more energy and runs so much better. |
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Veteran
Posts: 107
| Read this on Facebook......"Stop being afraid about what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right." Author unknown.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 825
| Several friends sing before they run. I think its typically "Jesus Loves Me" lol
From what they say, it works. I haven't tried it yet! |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | witt - 2013-11-27 7:54 PM Read this on Facebook......"Stop being afraid about what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right." Author unknown.
I'm my own worst enemy. I make it 10 times worse in my head imagining all kinds of crazy bad things happening. I hadn't run in 5 months last show and it was nuts all the kinds of scenarios running through my head... |
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 Love Me Some Robert Redford
Posts: 2335
Location: WV | witt - 2013-11-27 8:54 PM
Read this on Facebook......"Stop being afraid about what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right." Author unknown.
So true, I am so afraid after a fall but I never looked at it in a positive way. Thanks |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 989
| I convince myself that I only paid $5 for a time only lol! But, I focus because I want it to be smooth and improved upon my last 'perfect' run The $5 thing calms my nerves, and being better than my last run makes me focus and be 'with it' |
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Regular
Posts: 54
| I tell myself that I can handle anything for 15 or 16 seconds.
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 Sunflower Seed Addict
Posts: 1416
Location: Amarillo, Texas |  |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3310
Location: Jersey Girl | I generally don't get that nervous anymore before I run, just some butterflies. What helped me was last year I was at a race with my trainer and I was very nervous. She said to me that it was no different then running the pattern at home. Sounds silly but ever since then nerves haven't been a huge problem for me. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1008
| I've been battling this the last year and a half when I realized what my horse was capable of. Then the pressure was on! I'm better at a barrel race because of the divisions rather then a rodeo where I have the opinion that I need to win if I want something....although sometimes that is a curse at the barrel races and I don't get going like I should! I discussed this with Ed Wright at his clinic this summer and he advised I find some meditation techniques. I haven't gotten to do this yet but plan to. In the mean time I sometimes will have something to drink to take the edge off as well. I don't want to have to rely on doing that though. I plan to read those books someone suggested earlier as well. |
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 Queen Boobie mascot
Posts: 706
Location: Mayerthorpe Alberta | coors light helps control my nerves :) |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420
| I stay away from the crowd that always talks the negative talk; either about others, the condition of the ground, etc. A good friend of mine would actually FALL ASLEEP at the trailer and I'd have to wake him to ride! I asked him about his nerves one day and he said when I felt nervous, smile. Just smile. I've used that advice in more things than just barrel racing and it helps! I also say a prayer for my horse and myself to come out of the alley in one piece! I repeat this to myself too:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
And if all that doesn't help, there is always Valium! |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Mike's Hard Lemonade |
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4627
Location: Texas | I do whatever I have to do to keep my mind off of the run I'm about to make. |
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 Arriving at the last minute!
Posts: 5148
Location: Kansas | I am pretty good at containing nerves but that wasn't tell recent years. I haven't read books or listened to tapes. Its more to do with years and my age. I tell myself nothing really matters tomorrow the sun will shine. Like someone said put a smile on your face, talk to people, and have a great time enjoying the moment. When I do have a lot of pressure on me and lots of money up for grabs then I take good deep breaths. Exhale slow. Keep legs loose and hands steady plus think about your run and everything you practice. Just focus down the alley and let it roll. And most of all ask Jesus to take control of the reins and guide my hands so the horse can work to the best of its ability. Keeping me and the horse safe is my biggest prayer nothing else matters! There is another race and we all makes mistakes.  |
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | I used to go through this too, still do from time to time but what has been working is to not even think about it until it's time to enter the holding pen. I cannot watch other people or else I go in n mess up. I can't even sit next to the 1st/2nd barrel in the stands. I stay isolated until it's time to warm up, usually I'm in the trailer watching whatever NASCAR race is on. When I'm riding, I also pretend there is a NASCAR crew chief with a calm voice in my ear. I'm still mastering the mental game but thinking differently about things has helped. |
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Tell It Like It Is
Posts: 22025
Location: Wyoming | I usually don't get as nervous as I used too. I found if I didn't focus on it, then I wouldn't get as nervous. The more I focused on how nervous I was getting the more nervous I would get.
I also try to breath and smile. Smiling helps. Talking helps too, but I also try to remember that some people don't like a bunch of chit chat before they run.
I try not to get on to soon or get to the holding area to soon. About 15 horses or so ahead of me is plenty. But it depends on the warm up situation.
Sometimes I will go warm up, go back to the trailer and put boots on then head to the holding area.
Just kinda depends on the set up.
However, if I am on a colt? It's hard to say how nervous I might be.  |
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 Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
Posts: 17112
Location: CA | I don't know if you have ever heard of grounding. Grounding is a visual exersize that can just take moments and will help clear your head. When people get nervous it is because they lose focus. So instead of focusing on all that is around you, you focus just on you, and later you horse. Visualise your nervous energy as a real thing. Like a cord, or rope, and in your mind send it down into the earth. Down down down through your feet to the planet core, and then back up again. Visualise it like a loop and that energy making a connection. It steadies you, puts your brain on right side so you are on the "feeling" side instead of the logical side. Your training is done at this point, there is no need to worry about what your horse will do. It is time to feel what he is doing and ride with him. Now the cool thing is you can do this with your horse too. (I know, crazy alert!) But as you sent your energy down through your feet, send his too, down his feet and tail! I swear you will see them calm down too. It works every time. I do this and pray before a run. And no matter how jacked up my horse is, they will stand still during this time. Many people visualize their run and I think that is a good thing too, but do it before you ground. |
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 A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | I JUST started running this year, but my nerves have improved A LOT over the past few months. I get on earlier than most people, but I walk a lot longer than other people. I just putter around a lot, then warm up, then putter around some more, maybe do some circles. Being ON the horse helps with my nerves. And breathing deep breaths right before I run & thinking about my run. I visualize what I want to happen, & practice moving my hands on the reins like I need to.
I switch out bits the drag before I run & then I just walk some circles, keeping him moving & I just breath deep & try to relax. I still get nervous, we all do, but I'm not sick to my stomach nervous before I run like I have been before.
I'm more nervous when I know it's almost time to run than I am right before I head down the alley. Being ON my horse helps me. Focusing on warming him up & just getting away from the arena & relaxing until it's right before my time to run. That helps me a lot. And talking to someone. If I have someone in the holding pen or outside the arena talking to me, I feel more at ease. Especially if we're laughing. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | You all have such wonderful suggestions! THANK YOU!!! :)
Breathing, praying, talking, staying away from the arena warming up, and focusing on my run all seemed to help yesterday. My horse acted up and went off pattern and as crappy as it was I realized the sun will come out tomorrow and there's always tomorrow to do better and make another run so I think that will help calm me too. I don't need to put so much pressure on myself and just go have fun. I'll run again tonight and I may try the grounding exercise. Thank you all again! This thread is full of great suggestions! |
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Queen Boobie mascot
Posts: 706
Location: Mayerthorpe Alberta | KatieMac88 - 2013-11-30 3:13 PM You all have such wonderful suggestions! THANK YOU!!! :) Breathing, praying, talking, staying away from the arena warming up, and focusing on my run all seemed to help yesterday. My horse acted up and went off pattern and as crappy as it was I realized the sun will come out tomorrow and there's always tomorrow to do better and make another run so I think that will help calm me too. I don't need to put so much pressure on myself and just go have fun. I'll run again tonight and I may try the grounding exercise. Thank you all again! This thread is full of great suggestions!
in all honesty i forever joke about coors light but what has also helped me to have learned to just enjoy the ride. the good the bad and the ugly. You never know when circumstances could change so enjoy the here and now moments!! good luck tonight. relax |
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A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | KatieMac88 - 2013-11-30 4:13 PM You all have such wonderful suggestions! THANK YOU!!! :) Breathing, praying, talking, staying away from the arena warming up, and focusing on my run all seemed to help yesterday. My horse acted up and went off pattern and as crappy as it was I realized the sun will come out tomorrow and there's always tomorrow to do better and make another run so I think that will help calm me too. I don't need to put so much pressure on myself and just go have fun. I'll run again tonight and I may try the grounding exercise. Thank you all again! This thread is full of great suggestions!
You nailed it. That's what helps me the most. Stop thinking & just ride the horse & have a good time. |
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | I say keep it simple- What will happen, will happen. Nothing you do immediately before the run can really help. JMI. Stay with your normal routine. Mine consists of humming something. Lately it is-what does the fox say. You can't be uptight and serious to that. BTW- I'm talking less than 5 minutes before your run. If your nervous before then- stay off. |
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I Eat Like a Normal Person
Posts: 3400
Location: Kansas | KatieMac88 - 2013-11-26 9:22 PM What do ya'll do to control your nerves before you make a run at a race or a rodeo?
My nerves sometimes get my heart racing and I know that negatively affects my horse and myself so I'm looking for a way to stay calm and focused so I can make the best run possible.
1. Perfect practise.....when you do your homework, and do it well, you know you're prepared. Doing the drills and movements using good horsemanship prepare you for #2 and #3.
2.Trust yourself and your horse. If you've done #1, you can relax.
3. Worry about what you actually have control of....which amounts to about 10%. Go in and do what you've practised. Whatever happens, you will know how to take it as it comes.
Barrel racing is a series of movements using good horsemanship...period.
That's why good riders make 'saves' and recovering from mistakes look so easy.
Get the book "In Pursuit of Excellence" by Terry Orlick. It's worth every penny, and applies to anything you want to succeed at.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90124.In_Pursuit_of_Excellence
 
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 999
Location: Sunny So Cal | Kind of weird but I eat a calming cookie level 30. Seems to help take the edge off. |
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 On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | I don't get in a hurry, I will get on my horse, take my time warming him up. I will not go watch any other runners, when it is about a drag before me or so I will tighen my cinch. If I need to get closer to the area (such as holding pen), I will mosey that way. I do not stop, I will continue to walk circles. and BREATH, take deep breaths. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 113
Location: Tx | I picture making the perfect run in my head but no more than 3 times... If I over play it, then I overthink what I am doing and mistakes tend to be made during my run so after I picture that run in my head a couple times, I pray and then I sing... whatever song I am in the mood for... I have been Known to be heard singing Vanilla Ice, Cross Candian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, Miley Cyris, Katy Perry, and many more, also some Lil Wayne or Jay-z... the edited versions of course. |
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Controlling your nerves before a run