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| So I have been hauling my gelding to the ameture rodeos since March. The past two rodeos the pressure has proven a little much for him and we have broken the pattern. Its easy to get down about it and want to kick yourself in the rear! I watch the videos over and over looking for something I could have done better. I have decided to back off of the rodeos and haul to some barrel races for a little while in hopes to regain our confidence. I know this is part of it, but seasoning a rodeo horse is quite the humbling experience! Nothing to do now but dust myself off and get to work on fixing it :) Just thought I would share in case any of you are going through a similar situation! Stay positive, and keep at it!!! :)
Edited by scwebster 2015-06-29 2:31 PM
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 Shelter Dog Lover
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| The young ones definitely make you work for it, good luck! |
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Posts: 2013
Location: Piedmont, OK | Seasoning is hard work but it eventually pays off - or at least that's what I keep telling myself. i am working on a 5 yr old right now so i feel your pain! |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Are you entering the slack at the rodeo when available? The performances at some of the ammy rodeos are wilder than the pro-rodeos. I would go back to barrel races for a little bit and let him get his confidence back, then start entering some slacks at the rodeo. If you don't get slack, i'd draw out or run something more seasoned. Once he's comfortable in the slack, maybe ease him into a performance where you know it's not going to be a wild west show. :)
It is definitely a humbling process, and not all horses are cut out to be rodeo horses. It's a tough life and takes a horse with a special mindset to be successful at rodeos IMO. |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24954
Location: WYOMING | When you think you are ready to get a little aggressive.... wait and be patient for another 6 months. The more consistent runs under your belt the better you will be when you go back to rodeoing. |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
Funny that you should post this right now, because I was just discussing, with my hubby, how tough the seasoning process can be. I am actually hauling in the Midwest right now with my six year old. It is VERY different from running at the big barrel races and even the local rodeos. I'm waiting for the light bulb to go off... for both of us. The rodeo atmosphere doesn't bother him, but the big pens are a big change for us. Just remember not to try too hard. It's just another barrel race. Relax and let him find his little nitch. If you were doing well at the jackpots then just keep entering and don't push him... let him go his own speed till he is more confident in the new environment. As for me... I'll try to practice what I preach on my next run. ;)
Good luck!
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Elite Veteran
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Location: a secret | Absolutely!! I call it character building.. lol I have learned though that you have to be realistic in seasoning one even when they show you hey I got this... they really dont. Hard to say, but enjoy the journey, and the ride one day you will look back and laugh how far you have come and what you had to endure to get there. Be patient. Lets start a seasoning club |
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 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | Mine is on stall rest right now while trying to figure out some issues but she went from the 1D one run, to the 4D the run after, 5D the next one and then laid down a run .3 off a nice horse (hit a barrel so it didn't count). I had entered some ammy rodeos and vetted all of them the day after I entered. Frustrating. We're also working on trying to find a bit or hack that she works well in too. It is very humbling running a "colt". Mine is 8 but other than being hauled to reining shows when she was 4, this is my first year actually trying to go "hard." |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt...... |
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Expert
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Location: Bandera, TX | dream_chaser - 2015-06-29 9:43 PM Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt......
I SO LOVE STARTING HORSES, I'M AT THE POINT THAT I REALLY NEED TO FIND A SOMEONE ELSE TO BREAK THEM BUT I JUST CAN'T GO WITHOUT RIDING A ROLLER COASTER AND THAT WHAT COLTS CAN BE. MY JOB IS TO KEEP THEM GOING UP AND TO RIDE THEIR HIGHS.
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 You get what you give
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Location: Texas | Yep, that is kind of the boat I am in with Bunny. She handles local races fine but big shows and rodeos really make her nervous. Going to those with her is kind of a gamble.. she's either going to work or she's going to be so upset and nervous she's going to blow it. |
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Tried and True
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Location: Where I am happiest | Herbie - 2015-06-29 4:56 PM Are you entering the slack at the rodeo when available? The performances at some of the ammy rodeos are wilder than the pro-rodeos. I would go back to barrel races for a little bit and let him get his confidence back, then start entering some slacks at the rodeo. If you don't get slack, i'd draw out or run something more seasoned. Once he's comfortable in the slack, maybe ease him into a performance where you know it's not going to be a wild west show. :)
It is definitely a humbling process, and not all horses are cut out to be rodeo horses. It's a tough life and takes a horse with a special mindset to be successful at rodeos IMO.
Exactly!!!
After they are proficient at the races and you want to step tothe rodeo's then enter slack. Once their fconfidence is shot it's hard and a longer road to get it back for them. Baby steps and going through the grades, like grade school. Kindergarten, 1st grade, second grade, ect. If they get overwhelmed, then step back to a simpler environment, and try it again later but slack is your best friend when getting one used to the rodeo world. |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | uno-dos-tres! - 2015-06-30 12:43 AM dream_chaser - 2015-06-29 9:43 PM Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt......
I SO LOVE STARTING HORSES, I'M AT THE POINT THAT I REALLY NEED TO FIND A SOMEONE ELSE TO BREAK THEM BUT I JUST CAN'T GO WITHOUT RIDING A ROLLER COASTER AND THAT WHAT COLTS CAN BE. MY JOB IS TO KEEP THEM GOING UP AND TO RIDE THEIR HIGHS.
You are a special person! 
I just listesd mine for sale again b/c I can't do the roller coaster...
When I Googled his name to make sure I didn't have any old ads, I found that I have listed him each Spring as a 3,4, and now 5 year old. Apparently, I dream big over the winter (when I'm not riding much) then reality strikes...  |
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Expert
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| Herbie - 2015-06-29 4:56 PM Are you entering the slack at the rodeo when available? The performances at some of the ammy rodeos are wilder than the pro-rodeos. I would go back to barrel races for a little bit and let him get his confidence back, then start entering some slacks at the rodeo. If you don't get slack, i'd draw out or run something more seasoned. Once he's comfortable in the slack, maybe ease him into a performance where you know it's not going to be a wild west show. :)
It is definitely a humbling process, and not all horses are cut out to be rodeo horses. It's a tough life and takes a horse with a special mindset to be successful at rodeos IMO.
We got off track at a packed performance. We ran in 90 to the first barrel and when we came around the back side he saw all the movement from the crowd. On the way to the second he just got lost. Tried to pull back toward the ally. We came to a sliding stop at the fence behind barrel 2. This past weekend we did get the slack, but I got on during the last performance event. This too was a packed house with lots going on. He became super nervous so I let him sit quiet and tried to let him be calm. As we came into the arena he just went right to the fence, totally not seeing the first barrel. :(
He has been to big pro rodeos as a rope horse, such as Ft Worth. I guess it is different running as hard as you can out of a blind ally. I am determined. Will def enter the slack when able! I totally agree it takes a certain kind to handle rodeos. Thanks for the advice! :) |
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Expert
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| Thank you for the encouraging words! I knew someone on here had to be in a similar situation. I def see why so many horses for sale have the caption "just needs seasoning". LOL It is tough sometimes. Good luck to you out there!! I hope you do well! You should post an update for us! :) |
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Expert
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| dream_chaser - 2015-06-29 9:43 PM Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt......
You are right. I feel like I am learning a lot during this process. It is an emotional rollercoaster for sure! In the end I def think it makes us better horse people. :) Good luck with your 5 yr old! |
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Expert
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| casualdust07 - 2015-06-30 6:40 AM Yep, that is kind of the boat I am in with Bunny. She handles local races fine but big shows and rodeos really make her nervous. Going to those with her is kind of a gamble.. she's either going to work or she's going to be so upset and nervous she's going to blow it.
It is like rolling dice! Hopefully we will all look back on this thread one day while riding our finished horses! :) |
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| rodeomom3 - 2015-06-29 2:58 PM The young ones definitely make you work for it, good luck!
Yes they do! Thank you!! |
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| HotPants - 2015-06-29 7:23 PM Absolutely!! I call it character building.. lol I have learned though that you have to be realistic in seasoning one even when they show you hey I got this... they really dont. Hard to say, but enjoy the journey, and the ride one day you will look back and laugh how far you have come and what you had to endure to get there. Be patient. Lets start a seasoning club
Love this! Yes I agree, I would love to join a seasoning club!! Haha. Sometimes a few kind words from someone who feels your pain is all you need! |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | What if you stuffed his ears? Maybe if he couldn't hear all of the commotion he would stay more relaxed and focused? My 5 YO hears everythng and sees everything. He's very focused going in the pen but he has go go gadget hearing. HAHA We used to stuff our calf horses ears every time just to keep them focused and working rope.
Definitely try to let him pick his own pace the first rodeos you take him back to. I made the same mistake trying to season a mare at Mesquite several years ago. I entered slack, but as I was coming up the alley to make my run, a big charlois bull jumped up out of the lane and scared the doo doo out of her. She never was quite the same after that, poor thing. Rodeos can definitely make or break one, and yes, I would think even though your horse has been hauled to some rodeos, the barrel race is entirely different, as we are somewhat putting them on their honor to work. It's nearly impossible to keep them "in your hand" like a roper would during a barrel run.....at least if you're trying to win something.
Hopefully he'll come back and ease back into the jackpot scenario relaxed and focused, and then when it's time to transition back to rodeos, you can ease him back into that as well. |
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Expert
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| bccanchaser16 - 2015-06-29 8:15 PM Mine is on stall rest right now while trying to figure out some issues but she went from the 1D one run, to the 4D the run after, 5D the next one and then laid down a run .3 off a nice horse (hit a barrel so it didn't count). I had entered some ammy rodeos and vetted all of them the day after I entered. Frustrating. We're also working on trying to find a bit or hack that she works well in too. It is very humbling running a "colt". Mine is 8 but other than being hauled to reining shows when she was 4, this is my first year actually trying to go "hard."
I def can relate! We were 2 10ths of a super nice horse thats won a ton. I thought to myself "Wow I may really have something here". The next run, we blow it lol. A couple of friends of mine that made their own nice horses told me they hauled everywhere for 2 years straight before they got consistant. |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
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Location: The Oklahoma plains. | I feel for you. I hope to make it to rodeos one day but for now I am seasoning myself as much as my horse at just the jackpots! I would say hero to zero experience but I have never been a hero or even in the 2d!! My goal is as simple as staying on most days :) |
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Expert
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| Herbie - 2015-06-30 8:50 AM What if you stuffed his ears? Maybe if he couldn't hear all of the commotion he would stay more relaxed and focused? My 5 YO hears everythng and sees everything. He's very focused going in the pen but he has go go gadget hearing. HAHA We used to stuff our calf horses ears every time just to keep them focused and working rope.
Definitely try to let him pick his own pace the first rodeos you take him back to. I made the same mistake trying to season a mare at Mesquite several years ago. I entered slack, but as I was coming up the alley to make my run, a big charlois bull jumped up out of the lane and scared the doo doo out of her. She never was quite the same after that, poor thing. Rodeos can definitely make or break one, and yes, I would think even though your horse has been hauled to some rodeos, the barrel race is entirely different, as we are somewhat putting them on their honor to work. It's nearly impossible to keep them "in your hand" like a roper would during a barrel run.....at least if you're trying to win something.
Hopefully he'll come back and ease back into the jackpot scenario relaxed and focused, and then when it's time to transition back to rodeos, you can ease him back into that as well.
I have thought about stuffing his ears! Also, I think I will maybe get on him later in the night. Keep him away from the comotion for as long as possible. "Scared the doo doo out of her" Laughing out loud. I imagine it did! She probably looks for boogers now.
This is where I feel the hubby (a roper) has a hard time understanding what I mean sometimes. This barrel racing is a whole other world. I think he is beginning to see that for himself.
We are going to take it nice an easy. We have a barrel race Saturday. The July Explosion in Marshall, Tx. He has been there and been fine. Ill try to post a video. :)
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Expert
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| TurnLane - 2015-06-30 8:55 AM I feel for you. I hope to make it to rodeos one day but for now I am seasoning myself as much as my horse at just the jackpots! I would say hero to zero experience but I have never been a hero or even in the 2d!! My goal is as simple as staying on most days :)
LOL I have totally been there! After I came back from having my baby I was so happy just to stay on! Hero to Zero, Im using that next time I think of it.
I hope you kick some butt!! |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Heck, I took a VERY talented 5 YO to a playday this past Saturday night to do some personal confidence building on. And for $16, it was a great night and we had a great run. It definitely wouldn't win anything at the rodeo, but I know the gears are there....he's already proven that, but I need to get my confidence on him without feeling like I need to try to win the world right now. It was a great experience for us both and I left feeling very good about how he and I both worked....and the fact that I stayed in the middle through it all! I'm thinking the playday might be the best "prep course" for a rodeo as there are kids running to and fro everywhere....up his butt, swinging ropes, hollering and shouting. After 4 hours of camping on my pony, i'm pretty sure that I could have shot roman candles off of him! Sure didn't start out that way though! When we got there I was looking around at all the kids to see if there was a magic seat I might could buy off one of them! 
Edited by Herbie 2015-06-30 9:25 AM
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Expert
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| Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:19 AM Heck, I took a VERY talented 5 YO to a playday this past Saturday night to do some personal confidence building on. And for $16, it was a great night and we had a great run. It definitely wouldn't win anything at the rodeo, but I know the gears are there....he's already proven that, but I need to get my confidence on him without feeling like I need to try to win the world right now. It was a great experience for us both and I left feeling very good about how he and I both worked....and the fact that I stayed in the middle through it all! I'm thinking the playday might be the best "prep course" for a rodeo as there are kids running to and fro everywhere....up his butt, swinging ropes, hollering and shouting. After 4 hours of camping on my pony, i'm pretty sure that I could have shot roman candles off of him! Sure didn't start out that way though! When we got there I was looking around at all the kids to see if there was a magic seat I might could buy off one of them!
You are killing me!!!
Another great idea! I think I will take a page from your book and go to some of those small events/playdays. I know I would feel much better there rather than at the rodeos having my hind end handed to me neatly on a silver platter. LOL. I bet one of those kids would do a deal on a magic seat, and maybe throw in a helmet to boot! |
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Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | uno-dos-tres! - 2015-06-29 11:43 PM dream_chaser - 2015-06-29 9:43 PM Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt......
I SO LOVE STARTING HORSES, I'M AT THE POINT THAT I REALLY NEED TO FIND A SOMEONE ELSE TO BREAK THEM BUT I JUST CAN'T GO WITHOUT RIDING A ROLLER COASTER AND THAT WHAT COLTS CAN BE. MY JOB IS TO KEEP THEM GOING UP AND TO RIDE THEIR HIGHS.
I discovered (from my mistakes) that it works way better if someone else puts those first 30 days on them....still no lack of work but "starting" isn't what I am good at. |
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Location: NE Texas | Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:19 AM
Heck, I took a VERY talented 5 YO to a playday this past Saturday night to do some personal confidence building on. And for $16, it was a great night and we had a great run. It definitely wouldn't win anything at the rodeo, but I know the gears are there....he's already proven that, but I need to get my confidence on him without feeling like I need to try to win the world right now. It was a great experience for us both and I left feeling very good about how he and I both worked....and the fact that I stayed in the middle through it all! I'm thinking the playday might be the best "prep course" for a rodeo as there are kids running to and fro everywhere....up his butt, swinging ropes, hollering and shouting. After 4 hours of camping on my pony, i'm pretty sure that I could have shot roman candles off of him! Sure didn't start out that way though! When we got there I was looking around at all the kids to see if there was a magic seat I might could buy off one of them!
and I wish I could have seen your run Saturday. Dang sloped alley way...I couldn't see anything back there!
Well, just so happens we're having a rodeo there July 10th and 11th at the same arena - we will be there the 10th, Grace is running Junior Barrels. We are riding in the Parade from the arena through downtown & in the Grand Entry and going to do my best to get there early to find a good hiding spot so my mare can watch all the commotion from a distance (she really thinks cows are the devil, so this should be fun!). I have to work the gate for ticket sales from 6-9pm, but free after that!
Come on out and ride in the Grand Entry and around with us - will be great for our 5 year olds to see all the boogers and not have to stress about running. |
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Chasin my Dream
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Location: Alberta | scwebster - 2015-06-30 7:42 AM dream_chaser - 2015-06-29 9:43 PM Im seasoning my 5 yr old and he's been a good boy.....I'm the problem LOL
Its fun, frustrating, exciting and I wouldn't trade it....I am so thankful to have an opportunity to learn from this colt...... You are right. I feel like I am learning a lot during this process. It is an emotional rollercoaster for sure! In the end I def think it makes us better horse people. :) Good luck with your 5 yr old!
It will all fall into place....just focus on the process....and we always have BHW to vent and see others feel our pain 
Thanks....the 1st time I even took him to a barrel race (only to time only) I cried on the way home LOL only cause I raised him and had waited all these years...granted we only trotted the pattern |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Even the spectators cheered and clapped for every single person who went up the alley! It was a mini rodeo minus the bucking stock in the holding pens, but the arena and everything else was rodeo-esque with big white metal bleachers and a long, narrow, 30' alley that went downhill. Really was a great experience for us both and I had a great time! We did poles, flying w (what is that?!?!?!?!), straight barrels (my poor horse is like TURN, i'm like no, then he's like TURN, and again i'm like no, get to the last one and he trots by it and i'm like no TURN), then finally the barrels rolled around and though my toes and butt cheeks were numb from riding for 4 hours, both our minds were at a point where there was no pressure and truthfully he couldn't have worked any better. I was so proud of he and I both! Funny thing is, this colt has spent the winter running right with some of the toughest horses in the country, and i'm making $3 runs on him....and trotting through the keyhole class. LOL We'll get there....right now we're play day patty....maybe next year we'll be barrel race betty.....and then the year after that maybe American Qualifier Annie. HAHA Baby steps.... |
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Location: NE Texas | Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:50 AM
Even the spectators cheered and clapped for every single person who went up the alley! It was a mini rodeo minus the bucking stock in the holding pens, but the arena and everything else was rodeo-esque with big white metal bleachers and a long, narrow, 30' alley that went downhill. Really was a great experience for us both and I had a great time! We did poles, flying w (what is that?!?!?!?!), straight barrels (my poor horse is like TURN, i'm like no, then he's like TURN, and again i'm like no, get to the last one and he trots by it and i'm like no TURN), then finally the barrels rolled around and though my toes and butt cheeks were numb from riding for 4 hours, both our minds were at a point where there was no pressure and truthfully he couldn't have worked any better. I was so proud of he and I both! Funny thing is, this colt has spent the winter running right with some of the toughest horses in the country, and i'm making $3 runs on him....and trotting through the keyhole class. LOL We'll get there....right now we're play day patty....maybe next year we'll be barrel race betty.....and then the year after that maybe American Qualifier Annie. HAHA Baby steps....
"Playday Patty"... lol. It's all fun! You're right though... baby steps. Pays off better in the long run, for sure! |
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Whack and Roll
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Location: NE Texas | reese_tx - 2015-06-30 9:47 AM Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:19 AM Heck, I took a VERY talented 5 YO to a playday this past Saturday night to do some personal confidence building on. And for $16, it was a great night and we had a great run. It definitely wouldn't win anything at the rodeo, but I know the gears are there....he's already proven that, but I need to get my confidence on him without feeling like I need to try to win the world right now. It was a great experience for us both and I left feeling very good about how he and I both worked....and the fact that I stayed in the middle through it all! I'm thinking the playday might be the best "prep course" for a rodeo as there are kids running to and fro everywhere....up his butt, swinging ropes, hollering and shouting. After 4 hours of camping on my pony, i'm pretty sure that I could have shot roman candles off of him! Sure didn't start out that way though! When we got there I was looking around at all the kids to see if there was a magic seat I might could buy off one of them!
and I wish I could have seen your run Saturday. Dang sloped alley way...I couldn't see anything back there! Well, just so happens we're having a rodeo there July 10th and 11th at the same arena - we will be there the 10th, Grace is running Junior Barrels. We are riding in the Parade from the arena through downtown & in the Grand Entry and going to do my best to get there early to find a good hiding spot so my mare can watch all the commotion from a distance (she really thinks cows are the devil, so this should be fun! ). I have to work the gate for ticket sales from 6-9pm, but free after that! Come on out and ride in the Grand Entry and around with us - will be great for our 5 year olds to see all the boogers and not have to stress about running.
Ohhhhhhh no ya don't, reese_tx! I know my limitations and I didn't even expect my old reliable horse to endure the grand entry back when I was rodeoing! HAHA At least at the playday I can get out of the way and escape the occasional catastrophe. Something about a bunch of people and horses that aren't used to the rodeo atmosphere crowded into a tiny arena with flags, runaways, and beginner riders isn't something I want expose myself or my horse to! HAHA I've seen more wrecks happen in the grand entry than in the bull riding! |
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 Expert
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| Hate to be Debby downer, but the 'Great" rodeo horses take to seasoning very very quickly. I give my colts a couple months and if they still are not right with the crowds and that type of barrel race, they go down the road. |
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Expert
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Location: WI | I can totally relate! My last mare, absolutely no seasoning needed. She went in and ran her first perf like it was any old jackpot. My gelding now, I ran at 4 last year and have 4 under my belt this year. He sees the crowd and just shuts down. Won't run, crowds the barrels - I end up tipping. He did that Friday night at a rodeo, then I went to a jackpot Saturday and he won it. It's so hard because I know he has the potential. |
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Expert
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| FLITASTIC - 2015-06-30 10:05 AM Hate to be Debby downer, but the 'Great" rodeo horses take to seasoning very very quickly. I give my colts a couple months and if they still are not right with the crowds and that type of barrel race, they go down the road. In the case of this horse, he has never been nervous...until the last two rodeos. I have been putting the pressure on him though. Started using an over/under not too long ago to help encourage him. I think that could be a factor also. He is anticipating.
Edited by scwebster 2015-06-30 11:20 AM
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 Poor Cracker Girl
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Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | Seasoning suuuuuuuuuuuuucks. I'm so so over it.
I have a 4yo that I think will absolutely smoke it in a small pen - wicked quick turns, broke like crazy and a sweetheart to boot. Works like a champion at home or if I haul him to a pen to ride during the week.
But on the weekend? At an actual barrel race? Fuggetaboutit. He'll turn three barrels but you really have to work at it to keep him stood up and using his body correctly. And just when I think he's the dumbest creature God ever created and needs to go do something else with his life, the lightbulb will turn on and he'll dang near turn out from underneath me. So we keep going.
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Location: NE Texas | Herbie - 2015-06-30 10:04 AM
reese_tx - 2015-06-30 9:47 AM Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:19 AM Heck, I took a VERY talented 5 YO to a playday this past Saturday night to do some personal confidence building on. And for $16, it was a great night and we had a great run. It definitely wouldn't win anything at the rodeo, but I know the gears are there....he's already proven that, but I need to get my confidence on him without feeling like I need to try to win the world right now. It was a great experience for us both and I left feeling very good about how he and I both worked....and the fact that I stayed in the middle through it all! I'm thinking the playday might be the best "prep course" for a rodeo as there are kids running to and fro everywhere....up his butt, swinging ropes, hollering and shouting. After 4 hours of camping on my pony, i'm pretty sure that I could have shot roman candles off of him! Sure didn't start out that way though! When we got there I was looking around at all the kids to see if there was a magic seat I might could buy off one of them!
and I wish I could have seen your run Saturday. Dang sloped alley way...I couldn't see anything back there! Well, just so happens we're having a rodeo there July 10th and 11th at the same arena - we will be there the 10th, Grace is running Junior Barrels. We are riding in the Parade from the arena through downtown & in the Grand Entry and going to do my best to get there early to find a good hiding spot so my mare can watch all the commotion from a distance (she really thinks cows are the devil, so this should be fun! ). I have to work the gate for ticket sales from 6-9pm, but free after that! Come on out and ride in the Grand Entry and around with us - will be great for our 5 year olds to see all the boogers and not have to stress about running.
eeek.. now my anxiety is up. Well, I'm usually up for something at least once. If I don't post again after July 10th, you know I'm laid up in the hospital. LOL.
We will be super careful - Grace is on a 15 year old mare that's been there and done that (including rodeos and parades so I think she will be fine). I'll be sure to have plenty of liquid courage so it won't be as painful if I do hit the ground or end up steeple chasing across the field as my mare heads back to Oklahoma. lol |
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Expert
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Don't you love how they toy with our heart strings!! |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | It's not my horse i'm seasoning as much as myself. He works perfectly IN the pen no matter the set up or the atmosphere, so far, but he is coming back from a sickness and has some things going on once the run is over that we're addressing. He'll walk flat footed up the alley way and would walk all the way to the first barrel if you wanted him to, however even after our "trot through" of the poles he wanted to be a little silly when we pulled up and coming out of the pen. Only way I know to work through that is to camp on him and expose him and let him know that everything is ok and that the end of the world isn't near.
I would have to disagree in the fact that if a horse doesn't take to the rodeo atmosphere right away they aren't going to make it. About 20 years ago I bought a horse that had only been to the local saddle club on Friday night and open shows on the weekend. My objective was to college rodeo on him. At first he was unsure of the commotion, the bucking chutes, the stock, and it took us a couple years to get everything lined out. Once we did, I qualified for the CNFR 3 of the 4 years I college rodeod, he qualified me for every rodeo finals I held a card in, and I rode him for 10 years. He was still a top of the 1D horse when I sold him at 18 and was leased to a rodeo girl for a hefty monthly fee buy his new owner. Another parent offered his new owner $2500 to let his daughter run him at Joseys and the AAY. I hit barrels literally everywhere i went the first year I rode him. He fell with me at my hometown rodeo and it required a plate and 10 pins to put me back together...then we had to start all over. Somehow through all of that he made a heck of a rodeo horse and though it took at least 2 years, it was worth it! |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | reese_tx - 2015-06-30 10:00 AM
Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:50 AM
Even the spectators cheered and clapped for every single person who went up the alley! It was a mini rodeo minus the bucking stock in the holding pens, but the arena and everything else was rodeo-esque with big white metal bleachers and a long, narrow, 30' alley that went downhill. Really was a great experience for us both and I had a great time! We did poles, flying w (what is that?!?!?!?!), straight barrels (my poor horse is like TURN, i'm like no, then he's like TURN, and again i'm like no, get to the last one and he trots by it and i'm like no TURN), then finally the barrels rolled around and though my toes and butt cheeks were numb from riding for 4 hours, both our minds were at a point where there was no pressure and truthfully he couldn't have worked any better. I was so proud of he and I both! Funny thing is, this colt has spent the winter running right with some of the toughest horses in the country, and i'm making $3 runs on him....and trotting through the keyhole class. LOL We'll get there....right now we're play day patty....maybe next year we'll be barrel race betty.....and then the year after that maybe American Qualifier Annie. HAHA Baby steps....
"Playday Patty"... lol. It's all fun! You're right though... baby steps. Pays off better in the long run, for sure!
Eww, grand entries, asphalt, flags, crazy people in the crowds. My nerves are shot just thinking about it.. Throw in a couple wagons and I'm out, lol. I can't stand concrete or asphalt while on my horse. I just hate it, I think of every terrible slip and just cringe.. UGH it's my worst phobia- horse wreck on pavement.
What the heck is a flying W?? I do have an open horse that needs demoted to playdays (or the roping pen) for awhile and realize it's a privilege to be entered in a big race or rodeo. He's a jerk and has decided that the holding area is the devil..
Too bad TX is so far away, lol. |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | Herbie - 2015-06-30 10:41 AM
It's not my horse i'm seasoning as much as myself. He works perfectly IN the pen no matter the set up or the atmosphere, so far, but he is coming back from a sickness and has some things going on once the run is over that we're addressing. He'll walk flat footed up the alley way and would walk all the way to the first barrel if you wanted him to, however even after our "trot through" of the poles he wanted to be a little silly when we pulled up and coming out of the pen. Only way I know to work through that is to camp on him and expose him and let him know that everything is ok and that the end of the world isn't near.
I would have to disagree in the fact that if a horse doesn't take to the rodeo atmosphere right away they aren't going to make it. About 20 years ago I bought a horse that had only been to the local saddle club on Friday night and open shows on the weekend. My objective was to college rodeo on him. At first he was unsure of the commotion, the bucking chutes, the stock, and it took us a couple years to get everything lined out. Once we did, I qualified for the CNFR 3 of the 4 years I college rodeod, he qualified me for every rodeo finals I held a card in, and I rode him for 10 years. He was still a top of the 1D horse when I sold him at 18 and was leased to a rodeo girl for a hefty monthly fee buy his new owner. Another parent offered his new owner $2500 to let his daughter run him at Joseys and the AAY. I hit barrels literally everywhere i went the first year I rode him. He fell with me at my hometown rodeo and it required a plate and 10 pins to put me back together...then we had to start all over. Somehow through all of that he made a heck of a rodeo horse and though it took at least 2 years, it was worth it!
He was a BAD a$$, loved watching him work! |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | abrooks - 2015-06-30 10:45 AM reese_tx - 2015-06-30 10:00 AM Herbie - 2015-06-30 9:50 AM Even the spectators cheered and clapped for every single person who went up the alley! It was a mini rodeo minus the bucking stock in the holding pens, but the arena and everything else was rodeo-esque with big white metal bleachers and a long, narrow, 30' alley that went downhill. Really was a great experience for us both and I had a great time! We did poles, flying w (what is that?!?!?!?!), straight barrels (my poor horse is like TURN, i'm like no, then he's like TURN, and again i'm like no, get to the last one and he trots by it and i'm like no TURN), then finally the barrels rolled around and though my toes and butt cheeks were numb from riding for 4 hours, both our minds were at a point where there was no pressure and truthfully he couldn't have worked any better. I was so proud of he and I both! Funny thing is, this colt has spent the winter running right with some of the toughest horses in the country, and i'm making $3 runs on him....and trotting through the keyhole class. LOL We'll get there....right now we're play day patty....maybe next year we'll be barrel race betty.....and then the year after that maybe American Qualifier Annie. HAHA Baby steps.... "Playday Patty"... lol. It's all fun! You're right though... baby steps. Pays off better in the long run, for sure! Eww, grand entries, asphalt, flags, crazy people in the crowds. My nerves are shot just thinking about it.. Throw in a couple wagons and I'm out, lol. I can't stand concrete or asphalt while on my horse. I just hate it, I think of every terrible slip and just cringe.. UGH it's my worst phobia- horse wreck on pavement. What the heck is a flying W?? I do have an open horse that needs demoted to playdays (or the roping pen ) for awhile and realize it's a privilege to be entered in a big race or rodeo. He's a jerk and has decided that the holding area is the devil.. Too bad TX is so far away, lol.
Come out for the weekend woman....we'll find several to go to! It can be like a reuinion tour....i'll even wear an orange vest if I need to! HAHA I mean it may be a safety vest, but whatever. I wish we were closer, as I would love to get together and ride with you....would be a blast! |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | abrooks - 2015-06-30 10:47 AM Herbie - 2015-06-30 10:41 AM It's not my horse i'm seasoning as much as myself. He works perfectly IN the pen no matter the set up or the atmosphere, so far, but he is coming back from a sickness and has some things going on once the run is over that we're addressing. He'll walk flat footed up the alley way and would walk all the way to the first barrel if you wanted him to, however even after our "trot through" of the poles he wanted to be a little silly when we pulled up and coming out of the pen. Only way I know to work through that is to camp on him and expose him and let him know that everything is ok and that the end of the world isn't near.
I would have to disagree in the fact that if a horse doesn't take to the rodeo atmosphere right away they aren't going to make it. About 20 years ago I bought a horse that had only been to the local saddle club on Friday night and open shows on the weekend. My objective was to college rodeo on him. At first he was unsure of the commotion, the bucking chutes, the stock, and it took us a couple years to get everything lined out. Once we did, I qualified for the CNFR 3 of the 4 years I college rodeod, he qualified me for every rodeo finals I held a card in, and I rode him for 10 years. He was still a top of the 1D horse when I sold him at 18 and was leased to a rodeo girl for a hefty monthly fee buy his new owner. Another parent offered his new owner $2500 to let his daughter run him at Joseys and the AAY. I hit barrels literally everywhere i went the first year I rode him. He fell with me at my hometown rodeo and it required a plate and 10 pins to put me back together...then we had to start all over. Somehow through all of that he made a heck of a rodeo horse and though it took at least 2 years, it was worth it! He was a BAD a$$, loved watching him work!
Awwww, thank you! He was definitely special! I'll compare every horse I ever saddle to him, including this colt, and what is scary is this one is even more talented. No pressure, right??? HAHA |
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Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | scwebster - 2015-06-30 11:32 AM Don't you love how they toy with our heart strings!!
It's the worst! Rotten emotionally manipulative sucker.
I'm tempted to sell him and lighten the horse load at my house but he's such a tender hearted sissy boy. I'd hate for somebody to be rough on him and blow his little mind. Emphasis on little. |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| Update*** Ran at Marshall on Saturday July 4th. Went great, ran well and ended up middle of the 2D with near 400 entries. On to another jackpot this weekend  |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | scwebster - 2015-07-09 11:31 AM Update*** Ran at Marshall on Saturday July 4th. Went great, ran well and ended up middle of the 2D with near 400 entries. On to another jackpot this weekend
Yay!!!! That is fantastic! Congrats to you and your pony! Big thumbs up!!! |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | scwebster - 2015-07-09 11:31 AM Update*** Ran at Marshall on Saturday July 4th. Went great, ran well and ended up middle of the 2D with near 400 entries. On to another jackpot this weekend
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| Herbie - 2015-07-09 11:44 AM scwebster - 2015-07-09 11:31 AM Update*** Ran at Marshall on Saturday July 4th. Went great, ran well and ended up middle of the 2D with near 400 entries. On to another jackpot this weekend
Thank you Herbie!!! |
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Seasoning..a very humbling experience