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Location: midwest mama | I barrel raced and rodeoed for years, and then took an over 10 year vacation from it. Family, work, life, etc. took priority, so I gave in and didn't hardly even ride for a very long time.
Several years ago I decided to start back again. I started slow with a younger horse, and worked my way up to running in the 1D. Competed for two years, and then my horse I was going on got hurt, and they are saying he will be off at least a year, IF he ever comes back good enough to be a barrel horse again. I have no back up horse - he is my one and only.
I really don't want to start another young one, so I have started looking around for an older been there, done that horse that I can go compete on and have some fun. I have found several that I thought might work for me, but they aren't cheap and now I am kind of getting cold feet and wondering if I even really want to start racing again. My time is limited and I have a lot of responsibilities with family/work, but I need to do something for me. Also, I'm feeling a little guilty for spending a lot for a horse. In my head and heart I want to, but then reality sets in. I really don't want to only do something half way - it's not my nature. I'm usually all in, or all out. Also, since I came back and started running again I have had severe performance anxiety. Stressed when I was running, and now stressed that I am not. Argh.
My question is this - how do you decide whether to keep racing or quit, throw in the towel and be a spectator/fan only? Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality. I'm really struggling with this, so any advice from people who have been in this same situation would be appreciated.
Edited by OldSchoolCowgirl 2015-08-10 1:25 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 233
| Big hugs for you and your horse. You may not have the money, time or want to to race anymore but what about just riding for your own sanity? |
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
 
Location: Dubach, LA | Running a 3D horse isn't that bad. To me, it's better than giving it up completely. No more than I get to ride and go, a 1/2D horse would be 3/4D before long anyway. Hugs to you. |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Horses have always been in my life.... first pony at age 5. Never looked back. However, I have made adjustments along the way due to work, family and physical limitations. In my younger years I roped, barrel raced, rode jumpers, had a cutter, etc.... and attended college via a rodeo scholarship. I am pushing 60 now and still have horses -- I go slower -- I got very involved in showing and did the all-around events for many years - right now I concentrate on Showmanship with my wonderful mare. It's something that requires my time at the barn grooming and practicing and has me running around beside her (good to keep me in shape so there's my exercise time, too). I never dreamed I would love Showmanship as much - or more than other things I had done in the past - but I do -- it requires a deep bond between you and your horse and is very precise and it is difficult to do it at a world class level (and I am competitive at that level!). Anyway, my point is - there are many horse activities that are fun, challenging and can keep you involved with horses -- for example the Ranch Riding classes are really taking off --- barrel racing is not the only event. Yes, I did miss going fast -- but no more. I realized it was not about the running it was about the horse for me -- always about having a horse... good luck to you on finding your new path and journey. |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | The day you get the news that a race you were going to go to has been canceled due to whatever, and you feel relief, that's when you call it a day. I still get that urge to run now and then, but mostly just enjoy watching and keeping up with what my friends children and grandchildren are doing. When you watch the NFR and say, gosh I remember when she was born, you can't feel too bad about quitting LOL.
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| unfornautely i had to stop due to an accident but i would like to think that at 64 i would be trailriding in the river with friends enjoy my horses frankly
i hate the barrel races of today boring but i will never truly know but i wish oh i wish i could ride |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | Are you dead set on running 1D and winning? Why not just barrel race to have fun, that is what I do! |
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| I think this is an issue that many struggle with. I know I do! I qualified for the circuit finals a couple of times and had a really nice horse. Skip ahead 14 years, 3 kids, and a mortgage later and I'm finding it very tough to compete. Horses are more expensive, competition's younger, and there seems to be no limit on the money being spent. We have girls in our neck of the woods running horses they paid $75,000 or more for only to win a rodeo that pays $500. Now don't get me wrong.....I would do it in a heart beat too if I could, just cant. So I do the best I can with what I have, hits some divisional shows, and hopefully someday another great horse will fall into my lap and I can compete at the level I'd like to be at again.
In my opinion, if you still think about running barrels everyday, then it's something that you are not ready to quit doing. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 667
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-08-10 8:05 AM
Are you dead set on running 1D and winning? Why not just barrel race to have fun, that is what I do!
I love this. This is me as well. I do this for sanity and as a hobby. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| Boy... I just sent my best friend a message that literally duplicates your post. I went through a lot of bad luck, finally bought one that I loved and trained him from the ground up. Granted hes not a 1D horse but a 2D/3D horse with a heart of gold. I got 5 years of running him and he was diagnosed with kissing spine... trying to maintain him through exercise and some meso therapy but his future is very unknown.
I went out and bought a new prospect, drove to OK only to find out she wasnt honest. Biggest deal breaker being his size. He was much much smaller than advertised and I am just too big for him. he should be going to his new home today... I bawled over it... I dont buy him to sell him.
Now I am back to square one... do I just do what i can with my guy with KS and partly retire both of us? or do I put the work into another propsect. Which part of me isnt wanting to do because its so draining with my already busy schedule. So part of me wonders... do I just retire. I cant afford anything finished or even well started... I am 25 and my life revolves around horses.
So i guess I feel your pain  |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | TNcowgirl88 - 2015-08-10 9:15 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-08-10 8:05 AM Are you dead set on running 1D and winning? Why not just barrel race to have fun, that is what I do! I love this. This is me as well. I do this for sanity and as a hobby.
exactly. My horse is 2/3D. I hope to hit the 1D with my colt, but that won't be for a few years.
In the meantime I love running a safe and consistent horse. |
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| I'm in the same situation … hugs to you! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I'm struggling with this same issue so you are not alone! I"m glad someone feels the same way I do. I've been involved in horses since I was 11 and am 30 now. Life has just gotten so busy, work, now college classes towards a masters, 5 dogs, travel, family, friends and meetings, volunteer work. It's overwhelming. Not to mention, since we bought a house 5 years ago, I'd almost rather stick money into it and my retirement. I feel guilty spending money racing or on horses. I went from 7 to 3 and now to one horse and am debating if I shouldn't just sell him. I haven't been placing as competitively as I'd like and I'm an all or nothing person too.
I would have said get out for a while and see if you miss it but after a 10 yr vacation from it you definitely have!!! Did you miss it when you were out for 10 yrs? When you ride do you like it more than anything else? I guess depending on those answers, it should give you a clue as to the right choice. I still don't know what I should do. I almost think buying rescue horses and working with them when I have time would be a low stress way to go instead of competitive riding and all the cost that goes into it. Plus it gives me great satisfaction to train a horse to be useful and wanted instead of going to slaughter or doing nothing. That to me is an amazing accomplishment. I guess I feel like I've hit a plateau with racing and am not getting better. |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | Vickie - 2015-08-10 6:45 AM
The day you get the news that a race you were going to go to has been canceled due to whatever, and you feel relief, that's when you call it a day. I still get that urge to run now and then, but mostly just enjoy watching and keeping up with what my friends children and grandchildren are doing. When you watch the NFR and say, gosh I remember when she was born, you can't feel too bad about quitting LOL.
wow! THIS ^^^ I have actually felt relief many times becuase I always have other things I'd like to do... maybe that's a sign! |
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Veteran
Posts: 106
| DLV - 2015-08-10 11:29 AM
Vickie - 2015-08-10 6:45 AM
The day you get the news that a race you were going to go to has been canceled due to whatever, and you feel relief, that's when you call it a day. I still get that urge to run now and then, but mostly just enjoy watching and keeping up with what my friends children and grandchildren are doing. When you watch the NFR and say, gosh I remember when she was born, you can't feel too bad about quitting LOL.
wow! THIS ^^^ I have actually felt relief many times becuase I always have other things I'd like to do... maybe that's a sign!
I think I am close to the edge too and I feel relief a lot, then guilt...I've ridden all my life..horse shows, rodeo'd etc and the hubby rodeo'd too...along the way my husbands family farm was expanding and it was making it difficult for us to leave for any period of time and for him to devote any time to practicing so we sold his dogging horse and got rid of our LQ...he decided to play around with team roping a little...just going to friends and roping...no interest in hauling...I just messed around and barrel raced whenever...when I was 34 (he is 40) we decided to have a baby and I got pregnant with our little boy. I sold all my horses and stopped riding but taught and hauled 2 teenage girls to shows and HS rodeo during that time.... I bought a long yearling two weeks after I gave birth.
Two years later...I have a wonderful open horse that a good friend gave me to ride. He is fun and uncomplicated to ride...just a joy to have around and safe for my kid to be around to. My filly has turned out to be THE nicest horse I have ever owned....and shows all indications of a 1d hopeful. She comes back from the trainer I sent her to this week...
And I have ZERO interest in riding or going anywhere. Not because I am scared or out of the grove...I just simply want to do other things...fiddle around my house and play with my kid and I am happy and content doing it. Then guilt comes into play...I have all this money tied up into the horses...saddles, trailers, gear, training fees etc...
Sometimes I feel like the ONLY thing that keeps me dragging along in the horses right now is my son...I want him to grow up going to shows and hopefully want to be a part of it. I figure the only way I can do that is to keep him exposed to it. |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | I spent many, many years on the road hauling to rodeos, jackpots and shows and my husband drove me, worked to support me and kept my horses going. We came to a time in life that the kids were out of high school rodeo and gone and my husband wanted to try team penning. I readily gave up hauling to barrel races and we hauled all over the Midwest for him. I eventually bought a prospect (for barrels) but since he was a futurity cutting drop-out, I tried the penning….and loved it. Fast forward a couple of years and my husband was sidelined with cancer surgery on his shoulder. Not one to just stay home, I played with my penning horse and after a month went to a barrel race and won the 4-D…..For the next couple of years, I went and placed in the 3-4D or Seniors…..didn’t care if I went fast or not….I went to have FUN with my friends.
Find something to do with horses that just keeps you having FUN ! ! Barrel Racing or being in the 1-D is not the only thing to do………… |
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 Professional Amateur
Posts: 6750
Location: Oklahoma | With age. .our bodies shift. Barrel racing / riding / professional obligations and family obligations also shift and we make adjustments, but you go with your heart and what you want to do.
Only YOU can decide what makes you happy and what you have time for. There are some horses I have sold that have left me feeling empty and I hve had no desire to throw my leg over another one and hit the road. Then one will come along that I am bonded with and I am happy sitting outside with them, on their back, or going to a competition.
I think it's in your soul since you came back after such a long break. We are always doing things against a clock - time is fighting us and one day our bodies or health won't let us hit the road anymore. As long as you enjoy your horse and what you are doing - GO. . if not. . stay home. I take breaks, but I always end up on the road until my body won't let me anymore.
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | It can be very discouraging especially when certain names show up or it's the same people in the 1D. I try to have fun but I don't go places that are stressful anymore, even if it's close to the house. I had a horse I thought was going to help me move up and I lost her to a pasture accident. I haven't been the same since. I'm finishing another one now and while I'm proud of what she does, it's awfully hard to not look over my shoulder at those 1D riders, because I know I've got the horsepower under me to be there and I'm not. I haven't gone as much this summer because I've worked at the speedway. I still want to ride/run barrels, just wish I was more successful at it because I know it's there. I think about quitting but I'd probably miss it if I did. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 831
| wow...haven't been on here for a few years.....got hurt, got too busy teaching....Got healthy, quit my teaching job and wonder if I can do it again....money is TIGHT (because I went to a less paying job,but got my sanity back) Wanting to start running again, but start out in small less expensive competitions.... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| Vickie - 2015-08-10 7:45 AM
The day you get the news that a race you were going to go to has been canceled due to whatever, and you feel relief, that's when you call it a day. I still get that urge to run now and then, but mostly just enjoy watching and keeping up with what my friends children and grandchildren are doing. When you watch the NFR and say, gosh I remember when she was born, you can't feel too bad about quitting LOL.
I have to disagree with this. There have been many days where I was hoping that a show was cancelled because it was too hot, too cold, too much chance of rain, or I had something else I had to choose between, and a show getting cancelled would make me not choose.
I kind of look at showing like this. I keep my horses as in shape as possible so that if a show is scheduled, and I wake up that day feeling like I want to go, they are prepared to go. But, if its 100 degrees, the promoter won't change it to a night show, and the ground sucks anyways, I'm not going.
And, it always happens, that when I don't feel like taking a horse, or don't have the money/a sound horse to go, but I go to cheer on my friends, I always get there and wish I had my horse there.
These situations happen at different times of people's lives. The only one who knows if you really want to give it up, is you.
Someone once told me that if you can't decide between 2 things do this. Write them down, put them in a hat, shake them up, and pick one. If you are disappointed in what you chose, now you know how you really felt. And if you are relieved with what you chose, the same applies. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | vjls - 2015-08-10 7:18 AM
unfornautely i had to stop due to an accident but i would like to think that at 64 i would be trailriding in the river with friends enjoy my horses frankly
i hate the barrel races of today boring but i will never truly know but i wish oh i wish i could ride
I think it's great you still add your wisdom and memories to some of the threads on here; keep em coming!! |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | DLV - 2015-08-10 11:25 AM
I'm struggling with this same issue so you are not alone! I"m glad someone feels the same way I do. I've been involved in horses since I was 11 and am 30 now. Life has just gotten so busy, work, now college classes towards a masters, 5 dogs, travel, family, friends and meetings, volunteer work. It's overwhelming. Not to mention, since we bought a house 5 years ago, I'd almost rather stick money into it and my retirement. I feel guilty spending money racing or on horses. I went from 7 to 3 and now to one horse and am debating if I shouldn't just sell him. I haven't been placing as competitively as I'd like and I'm an all or nothing person too.
I would have said get out for a while and see if you miss it but after a 10 yr vacation from it you definitely have!!! Did you miss it when you were out for 10 yrs? When you ride do you like it more than anything else? I guess depending on those answers, it should give you a clue as to the right choice. I still don't know what I should do. I almost think buying rescue horses and working with them when I have time would be a low stress way to go instead of competitive riding and all the cost that goes into it. Plus it gives me great satisfaction to train a horse to be useful and wanted instead of going to slaughter or doing nothing. That to me is an amazing accomplishment. I guess I feel like I've hit a plateau with racing and am not getting better.
I love that you have a desire to help those horses that others might not take notice of and that you're the reason those horses have a future. |
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boon
Posts: 1
| I was trying to guess your age when I read this but your story mirrors parts of mine. I had always been involved with horses and barrel racing but then a time came when I had to make a decision to devote myself to my business.
Didn't compete for nearly 13 years - and there was still something there. I prayed about it a lot and decided if I didn't do it again, I'd be too old. So I bought a horse and trained him, then bought another and trained her. He was a horse I'll always love but died of a rare DNA malady. She's the once in a lifetime horse that made a now-60 year old woman be able to sit at a desk all day and still go out and win a rodeo.
My point is don't give up your dreams; they still can come true - whatever age you are. And please don't leave God out of it. That way the decision you make will be the right one for you.
Hope this helps:-) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1034
| I could have written this! Four babies, college, now a career in law enforcement, building a house, etc etc. My mare has torn hamstrings which now just makes her walk WIERD and run reeeeaaaaallllly ssslllllooooowwww. And my hub is only supportive intermittently. But I kept going because even if I could barely wake up the next morning for work after the race the night before where she ran her heart out to not even hit 4D money with a technically perfect run, and my hub is all cranky because i wasn't there for the evening, I still love it. So I retired my old girl and traded my dream prospect for a finished, easy horse who is easily 2/3D. Only you can answer this. But you definitely aren't alone!!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 623
Location: /ARKANSAS | Got a girlfriend whose horse had KS, took him to maybe Weatherford Tx for surgery and is doing fine. It wasn't a horribly expensive surgery
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Location: midwest mama | Anyone else? |
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Veteran
Posts: 197
| I just turned 53 and have been hauling hard for 25 years. I started counting the weekends till I had a weekend off and it hit me lol maybe I need to shift my goals. I love riding young horses and starting them and I love lessons for the people that really want to learn. Im selling my open horse, keeping a yearling and a mare that I'm starting back for now. Pretty much downsizing and just going when the mood hits me lol |
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Veteran
Posts: 102
| I'm 61 yrs. old and I haven't hauled hardly any in the last ten years,but some things in life seem to have kept holding me back,however I refuse to let anything stop my passion I have for riding horses and this gift God has given me since birth.My motto"Ain't going down till' the sun comes up."  |
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Veteran
Posts: 102
| I'm 61 yrs. old and I haven't hauled hardly any in the last ten years,but some things in life seem to have kept holding me back,however I refuse to let anything stop my passion I have for riding horses and this gift God has given me since birth.My motto"Ain't going down till' the sun comes up." |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 878
Location: "...way down south in the Everglades..." | Maybe I'm off base on this - but to me it sounds like you only want to race if you can run at 1-D level and if not you don't find it fun? I can relate...I have shown various events since I was 5 and have devoted my life to horses. But in my 20's reality set in about needing a stable financial future, home, career, finish school. I never quit owning a horse, but I did quit competing for about 6 years and had a child in that time. Fast forward I slowly got back into it with a 2 year old and we have had nothing but setbacks and injuries over the past 5 years and I started feeling like I was never going to get back to the level I rode at when I was a youth. Felt like a has been and that maybe this was all some stupid hobby for me to relive "the glory days". I finally bit the bullet and bought a very nice but green horse just this year. Took her to a fun show and I truly had fun for the first time in many, many years...and I do very much believe she will hit 1-D with some seasoning under her. It really helps that my SO and son are behind me on this and are routing me on. They see my passion and don't want me to give up just because things have been a mess for the past 11 or so years.
Ask yourself, after the 10 year break, when you were hitting those 1D times, did you truly love and enjoy it? Did you love it for the wins? Or did you love it for the thrill and fun? Or did you love it for both? If you can figure out what it is the drives you to enjoy this then I think the answer will be pretty clear for you. And if barrels isn't the thing anymore, find a new passion (with or without horses) so that you can still do something for yourself. |
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | Two weeks ago when my mom passed away I was seriously considering throwing my lollipop in the dirt, taking my big mare to a friends place and kicking her out and leasing out the other two to any suckers willing to deal with their Diva BS and health issues (my gelding is a rock star, you can make a heck of a go in the cutting pen on Saturday then take him to a gymkhana and whoop some booty on Sunday and on Monday your 85 year old dad can take him to gather cows but he is a Diva princess and then CC has all the potential in the world but there are the kidney and bladder issues). I've been telling myself for 10+ years not to stress, that one day I'd be free to go pursue my dreams with these horses. Didnt' dawn on me until July 30th that when that time came in meant my mom was gone for good...suddenly makes you not so happy that "one day" has arrived. The only thing that has made me not pull the plug is that for those 10+ years my mom was the reason I put my feet on the floor in the morning and my horses where the reason I could. You dont' turn your back on that. And my mom didnt' raise a quitter. Eventually me and the Diva Ba$tard and my Walking Miracle CC will be back in the pen, just need to get my heart wrapped around the new normal. |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | I have been struggling lately too (I am 48).....been having lots of pattern frustrations on a horse I have owned for a year now. He is a push style I am used to free runner.....and now I am having saddle fit issues with him too. I don't even want to go to a barrel race at the moment. Have pretty much lost all my confidence. Decided to just enjoy my horse for now and do fun things with out the pressure to perform everything correctly.
Edited by fulltiltfilly 2015-08-14 5:48 PM
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | run n rate - 2015-08-14 12:22 PM
Two weeks ago when my mom passed away I was seriously considering throwing my lollipop in the dirt, taking my big mare to a friends place and kicking her out and leasing out the other two to any suckers willing to deal with their Diva BS and health issues (my gelding is a rock star, you can make a heck of a go in the cutting pen on Saturday then take him to a gymkhana and whoop some booty on Sunday and on Monday your 85 year old dad can take him to gather cows but he is a Diva princess and then CC has all the potential in the world but there are the kidney and bladder issues). I've been telling myself for 10+ years not to stress, that one day I'd be free to go pursue my dreams with these horses. Didnt' dawn on me until July 30th that when that time came in meant my mom was gone for good...suddenly makes you not so happy that "one day" has arrived. The only thing that has made me not pull the plug is that for those 10+ years my mom was the reason I put my feet on the floor in the morning and my horses where the reason I could. You dont' turn your back on that. And my mom didnt' raise a quitter. Eventually me and the Diva Ba$tard and my Walking Miracle CC will be back in the pen, just need to get my heart wrapped around the new normal.
Many good feelings and wishes being sent your way. You have folks rooting for you and "your herd" all over the place!! (I bet your mom is looking down at you saying "you better keep those horses legged up and in the road.") |
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Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | Thanks Chandlers Mom:) I owe it to my momma who clear up till she had the stroke would load up with me or go out in the heat or the cold to watch me ride as well as these horses that gave me something more important than myself, a reason to get up every morning when life was really really hard, and to people like you that have prayed, rooted, prompted me to ask better questions and search better answers thru CC's kidney and bladder journey, one that is on going and hopefully will be for years to come. Like everything else in this world, it's only truly over if we quit. As long as we keep plugging at it, even if we have to give ourselves a "time out" to regroup it leaves us the possibility that our dream is attainable. #UNSTOPPABLE |
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Expert
Posts: 1956
Location: Ky | OldSchoolCowgirl - 2015-08-10 1:15 AM I barrel raced and rodeoed for years, and then took an over 10 year vacation from it. Family, work, life, etc. took priority, so I gave in and didn't hardly even ride for a very long time. Several years ago I decided to start back again. I started slow with a younger horse, and worked my way up to running in the 1D. Competed for two years, and then my horse I was going on got hurt, and they are saying he will be off at least a year, IF he ever comes back good enough to be a barrel horse again. I have no back up horse - he is my one and only. I really don't want to start another young one, so I have started looking around for an older been there, done that horse that I can go compete on and have some fun. I have found several that I thought might work for me, but they aren't cheap and now I am kind of getting cold feet and wondering if I even really want to start racing again. My time is limited and I have a lot of responsibilities with family/work, but I need to do something for me. Also, I'm feeling a little guilty for spending a lot for a horse. In my head and heart I want to, but then reality sets in. I really don't want to only do something half way - it's not my nature. I'm usually all in, or all out. Also, since I came back and started running again I have had severe performance anxiety. Stressed when I was running, and now stressed that I am not. Argh. My question is this - how do you decide whether to keep racing or quit, throw in the towel and be a spectator/fan only? Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality. I'm really struggling with this, so any advice from people who have been in this same situation would be appreciated.
For me the time to quit was when the fun didn't outweigh the work. I'm a competitor so I couldn't just ride for divisions either. If I fell into a division I would take the money but I never pulled out of the driveway with a plan to hit a division.
But you just know when it's time. I was still winning a lot when I knew it was time. I told everyone that Easy was my last horse. No one beleived me as I had been competing since childhood. I just knew knew that it wasn't like it used to be. I enjoyed riding him so I kept goling until I had to retire him and then we stopped.
I still miss the competition and when we go visit shows to catch up with friends I really miss it and want to be out there. But I know what it takes to be where I want to be if I was competing and I don't miss all that work at all.
We go visit less and less now. We went to the World Championship Flag Race in Tn last month and that's the only show e have been to this year.
The Ky State fair Quarter Horse show is going on this week and the finals are tonight. This is the first time in over 40 years that I haven't been there
You will know when it's time to stop. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | run n rate - 2015-08-15 11:39 AM
Thanks Chandlers Mom:) I owe it to my momma who clear up till she had the stroke would load up with me or go out in the heat or the cold to watch me ride as well as these horses that gave me something more important than myself, a reason to get up every morning when life was really really hard, and to people like you that have prayed, rooted, prompted me to ask better questions and search better answers thru CC's kidney and bladder journey, one that is on going and hopefully will be for years to come. Like everything else in this world, it's only truly over if we quit. As long as we keep plugging at it, even if we have to give ourselves a "time out" to regroup it leaves us the possibility that our dream is attainable. #UNSTOPPABLE
I agree totally---maybe take time to recharge and reboot, but don't quit. Not while you still get ANY enjoyment out of it. I think you true racers/competitors would miss doing it more than you will get out of not doing it, if that makes sense!!
(What a mom you were blessed with RNR. . . )
Edited by Chandler's Mom 2015-08-17 12:06 AM
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Location: midwest mama | Anyone else? |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | I too am in the 2nd half of the century. I have always been competive and years ago went to the big show. Five years ago I had a bad wreck at Mandan,nd on July 2 at the pro rodeo. 9 broken ribs, collarbone, foot, punctured lung. I didn't have any insurance so I sold both of my good horses. I just played around training some when I started riding again. Then two years ago I got bucked off. Three broken ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, and my foot again. This summer I am finally feeling good again. In the last couple of years I have gathered up a little herd of rehab horses that needed me as much as I needed them. I also had a chance to get back one of my horses I had sold five years ago. It has been an up and down roller coaster with my horses but this summer some of them are starting to come around and they are working great. I am placing in the 1 d on some of them and I am not asking them for their lives- just letting it come to them. Now I am the old lady on the nice horses that people are wanting to buy! Haha. I am enjoying every run- good or bad because I know what it has taken to get them to this point. I am not going to quit anytime soon because I don't know how to do anything else. I have no hobbies- I spend all my money on my horses. I just go to the local things because I don't feel competive enough to drive very far. But I did surprise everyone- myself included when my fat little Mojo,horse won 3rd in the 1d at the bonus race finals in Lincoln this summer. That was a fun ride. So anyway it isn't time to quit until you absolutely just can't make yourself go ride one more time |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | doglady - 2015-08-18 9:05 PM
I too am in the 2nd half of the century. I have always been competive and years ago went to the big show. Five years ago I had a bad wreck at Mandan,nd on July 2 at the pro rodeo. 9 broken ribs, collarbone, foot, punctured lung. I didn't have any insurance so I sold both of my good horses. I just played around training some when I started riding again. Then two years ago I got bucked off. Three broken ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, and my foot again. This summer I am finally feeling good again. In the last couple of years I have gathered up a little herd of rehab horses that needed me as much as I needed them. I also had a chance to get back one of my horses I had sold five years ago. It has been an up and down roller coaster with my horses but this summer some of them are starting to come around and they are working great. I am placing in the 1 d on some of them and I am not asking them for their lives- just letting it come to them. Now I am the old lady on the nice horses that people are wanting to buy! Haha. I am enjoying every run- good or bad because I know what it has taken to get them to this point. I am not going to quit anytime soon because I don't know how to do anything else. I have no hobbies- I spend all my money on my horses. I just go to the local things because I don't feel competive enough to drive very far. But I did surprise everyone- myself included when my fat little Mojo,horse won 3rd in the 1d at the bonus race finals in Lincoln this summer. That was a fun ride. So anyway it isn't time to quit until you absolutely just can't make yourself go ride one more time
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Location: midwest mama | doglady - 2015-08-18 9:05 PM
I too am in the 2nd half of the century. I have always been competive and years ago went to the big show. Five years ago I had a bad wreck at Mandan,nd on July 2 at the pro rodeo. 9 broken ribs, collarbone, foot, punctured lung. I didn't have any insurance so I sold both of my good horses. I just played around training some when I started riding again. Then two years ago I got bucked off. Three broken ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, and my foot again. This summer I am finally feeling good again. In the last couple of years I have gathered up a little herd of rehab horses that needed me as much as I needed them. I also had a chance to get back one of my horses I had sold five years ago. It has been an up and down roller coaster with my horses but this summer some of them are starting to come around and they are working great. I am placing in the 1 d on some of them and I am not asking them for their lives- just letting it come to them. Now I am the old lady on the nice horses that people are wanting to buy! Haha. I am enjoying every run- good or bad because I know what it has taken to get them to this point. I am not going to quit anytime soon because I don't know how to do anything else. I have no hobbies- I spend all my money on my horses. I just go to the local things because I don't feel competive enough to drive very far. But I did surprise everyone- myself included when my fat little Mojo,horse won 3rd in the 1d at the bonus race finals in Lincoln this summer. That was a fun ride. So anyway it isn't time to quit until you absolutely just can't make yourself go ride one more time
Thanks doglady -
You have really given me some things to think about. Thanks for sharing.
THIS makes sense to me:
"So anyway it isn't time to quit until you absolutely just can't make yourself go ride one more time."
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | blank |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | doglady - 2015-08-18 9:05 PM
I too am in the 2nd half of the century. I have always been competive and years ago went to the big show. Five years ago I had a bad wreck at Mandan,nd on July 2 at the pro rodeo. 9 broken ribs, collarbone, foot, punctured lung. I didn't have any insurance so I sold both of my good horses. I just played around training some when I started riding again. Then two years ago I got bucked off. Three broken ribs, collarbone, shoulder blade, and my foot again. This summer I am finally feeling good again. In the last couple of years I have gathered up a little herd of rehab horses that needed me as much as I needed them. I also had a chance to get back one of my horses I had sold five years ago. It has been an up and down roller coaster with my horses but this summer some of them are starting to come around and they are working great. I am placing in the 1 d on some of them and I am not asking them for their lives- just letting it come to them. Now I am the old lady on the nice horses that people are wanting to buy! Haha. I am enjoying every run- good or bad because I know what it has taken to get them to this point. I am not going to quit anytime soon because I don't know how to do anything else. I have no hobbies- I spend all my money on my horses. I just go to the local things because I don't feel competive enough to drive very far. But I did surprise everyone- myself included when my fat little Mojo,horse won 3rd in the 1d at the bonus race finals in Lincoln this summer. That was a fun ride. So anyway it isn't time to quit until you absolutely just can't make yourself go ride one more time
So.... In other words???
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 How freakish is that?
Posts: 3927
Location: Oregon | I quit after 50 years, realized I had NO other hobbies or life and am now trying to figure out what the rest of the world does for fun! We bought a boat, everyone says a boat is a money pit but after having horses all my life I think a boat seems rather cheap. |
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 As Good As I Once Was
Posts: 1211
Location: frozen tundra of pa | I am with dog lady. I am also into my second fifty years and have slowed waaaaay down. used to go every weekend , now once or twice a month weather and body permiting. I changed jobs several years ago and dont ride or have the time to ride like i did i am lucky that i have a great weekend warrior and if everything falls right we end up in the 1d against the tough horses. Just recently I turned the good horse over to my wife who due to an accident lost a hand 25 years ago and he has put her in the 1d after just a couple of runs. i get more enjoyment out of watching her run than doing it myself anymore. I have a nice 4yr old that is going to be a real nice horse and waiting to see if he is as good as i think he will be is what keeps me going to the shows. But the wife and i have pretty much decided that the 9 yrold and the 4yrold could be our last competitive horses barring any major injurys to them or us. I am 53 the wife is 51 and i have been showing for almost 50 years. I still have not found a hobby that i like better than the horses i just dont push them or myself anything like i did years ago. Like doglady said i will go until i cant go but at my own pace. |
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| I wish I had an answer. I've been pretty competitive all my life. Can't now .. non-horsey husband, kid not interested, so if I go, I'm usually by myself which isn't all that fun either. My job takes time away from time I need to spend riding. There are days when I say I don't want to … but at the same time I need something. I'm sitting here with a bruised foot as my horse spooked at the wind this morning as I was unsaddling and stepped on my foot. I don't think its broken … just bruised … I guess I'll find out in a few days since if it is broken it would be a hairline fracture that won't show up for a few days anyway. My dilemma now … I'm trying to find a pair of dress shoes to wear to work … my foot is swollen a little bit and is a lovely shade of purple … today, I'm feeling like it's time. Next week when my foot is feeling better … I might change my mind. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368
Location: run2win land | I think your heart not your mind will tell you. I had a bad horse accident last fall and was in the hospital for 5 days. It was a long recovery. I still never lost the desire to get back into the barrel pen. I had to face alot of fears and I didn't go very fast at first. I added yoga since all my friends who are over 50 told me it was what they did to keep their strength and balance. I think what motivated me the most was hearing some people had written me off, said that I was done and would never run barrels again. BY God that lit a fire in me...I WAS NOT DONE!
I am happy to say that I have crawled my way back from the 4D, 3D to the 2D at times. My heart told me I still had the desire even if my mind wanted me to quit. Heart wins every time. |
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