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 Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
 
| We all have our horror stories about things we've seen over the years...but I went to go watch a friend ride the other night and never again.
This gymkhana was a flipping mess. People were parked ontop of each other, their kids and dogs running unchecked. Beer bottles and cans scattered everywhere...the drinking and the cussing was out of control. The arena sloped upwards toward a mountain. Crappy music blared through the speakers while the women half drunk and half naked yanked on their horses mouth. One so hard you could hear the bit bang on teeth. And snakes. Lots of snakes.
And I wanted to get back into this why?? I think I've lost my desire to deal with it.
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Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| We all have our horror stories about things we've seen over the years...but I went to go watch a friend ride the other night and never again.
This gymkhana was a flipping mess. People were parked ontop of each other, their kids and dogs running unchecked. Beer bottles and cans scattered everywhere...the drinking and the cussing was out of control. The arena sloped upwards toward a mountain. Crappy music blared through the speakers while the women half drunk and half naked yanked on their horses mouth. One so hard you could hear the bit bang on teeth. And snakes. Lots of snakes.
And I wanted to get back into this why?? I think I've lost my desire to deal with it.
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
  
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | I am sorry you had a bad experience but please don't judge all small shows by this one. I have been to them too and I never went back, however there are some WONDERFUL smaller shows out there that are great for kids and people like me. I have been part of a small show series for YEARS and I can promise you none of that goes on there. Actually, I would bet to say there are far more good small shows then bad ones. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| lol. I have never experienced the sloping arena, snakes and drinking but I will 100 percent agree that gymkhana contestants are just a whole different type of people in my opinion. Just a different mentality. They all use the same cues for their horses " hut hut hut" at every barrel or obstacle. When they show up at s regular barrel race it's very obvious. Nothing against them , nothing bad, but a whole different culture of people | |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Find some sanctioned shows in your area (if they exist), like NBHA or IBRA. Those are much better. When they have icky venues, they refuse to sanction them again. ;)
Don't give up too soon. The races I attend are not like that. | |
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 Thread Killer
Posts: 7545
| You're still in AZ, right? There are good pockets of barrel racing around you and you know it. Don't let one bad show ruin it all! | |
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Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| Actually, around where I'm at, there are no more gymkhanas. There used to be several good ones with really good horse people with nice horses. They've vanished. Its a bummer too because I was hoping to ease my way back. | |
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Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video. | |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Are any of these near you? You are in AZ, right? http://www.nbhaaz.com/Districts/NBHAAZ02.html | |
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Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Yes. But. I'm really terrible. My horse is really fat and out of shape. I might fall off after the first barrel. God help me showing up where real people and real horses play. Its been two years and even two years ago she was trotting the pattern. Sigh. | |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Who cares! go out and have fun. If you really want to just practice without pressure, go to a few just to exhibition until you are more comfortable. You can do it!!! | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 490
| Thats how I felt going to a playday a few weeks ago. Like a gymkhana but with a different name.
The lack of horsemanship astounds me. Horse wont turn or stop, put a different bit on him. Never mind hes hurting. Wont go in the alley? Beat the hell out of the horse until he decides to then beat him all the way to the barrel or pole....
I rode in barrels and poles and called it a night. Definitely not my cop of tea anymore. 3 years ago, I was at every one. Now, Id rather haul 2 hours to a jackpot and run. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| I think they are perfect for children..... | |
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Thread Killer
Posts: 7545
| barrelracr131 - 2015-08-17 11:06 AM
RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Ditto! Last time I checked, the most important thing was having fun, not impressing the peanut gallery. Get it, girl! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | SOunds like a show I went to years ago! The parents were fighting and screaming at each other and very unsafe horses! Two Mom's almost got in a fist fight because one Mom started the lead line race before the bell rang! Are you referring to REAL snakes? what kind? jeeez!! sounds like quite the entertainment! | |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Too bad you aren't closer! We only have one gymkhana left this year. And no, they aren't like normal barrel races. But they're enjoyable. We have a nice arena. The people are wonderful. No cussing and alcohol isn't allowed.... Although we sneak a sixer in sometimes. But everyone is super respectable and just want to have fun. There's several men who run the events. 70 year old women. Draft horses. Gaited horses. Heck, last gymkhana, a lady came and "drove" a donkey thru the patterns. And..... NO SNAKES! Don't give up. | |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | If you need a traveling buddy for moral support I can be your girl! I'm a good videographer too. Downfall: no rig so you have to pick me up. ;) We probably live on opposite sides of the valley anyways haha.
I have to agree with Flitastic though..... =\ | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM
barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| GLP - 2015-08-17 11:17 AM
RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM
barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though!
 We all start at different places ... chins up ladies!
My embarrassing moment this last weekend at a little jackpot breakaway roping: to set the stage for ya'll
backstory - dude who I haul with to mounted shootings and I also heel for was talking me and my filly up and even side bet that we'd win compared to this other guy, yadda yadda yadda, he talked alot of smack, and I got nervous for no real reason
me, only chick within 50 miles, on my filly (who can rope and slide just fine) other contestants -dudes of various ages and abilities
I drew a slower calf (no biggie) we waited, filly came out of the box clean and smooth .... and ... I roped my fillies freakin' front feet. NO LIE ... she stopped and stood there (THANK JESUS) and I about died from embarrassment. Dear LORD I will never live it down. The best part was the beer I got handed as I wandered out of the arena with a super red face! The guys were great, I was fine, my horse was fine, I was just a mess knowing that we could have been competitive.
The lesson - go do what you love and don't let anyone crush that dream. There will be "moments" but good people will help you through and encourage you along the way!
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | And all this time I thought that Riden was doing research on a new novel. And this was just a little taste of it. You could call it " As The Barrel Spins "  Glad you are back with us. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1857
| lindseylou2290 - 2015-08-17 3:04 PM
GLP - 2015-08-17 11:17 AM
RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM
barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though! We all start at different places ... chins up ladies!
My embarrassing moment this last weekend at a little jackpot breakaway roping: to set the stage for ya'll
backstory - dude who I haul with to mounted shootings and I also heel for was talking me and my filly up and even side bet that we'd win compared to this other guy, yadda yadda yadda, he talked alot of smack, and I got nervous for no real reason
me, only chick within 50 miles, on my filly (who can rope and slide just fine ) other contestants -dudes of various ages and abilities
I drew a slower calf (no biggie ) we waited, filly came out of the box clean and smooth .... and ... I roped my fillies freakin' front feet. NO LIE ... she stopped and stood there (THANK JESUS ) and I about died from embarrassment. Dear LORD I will never live it down. The best part was the beer I got handed as I wandered out of the arena with a super red face! The guys were great, I was fine, my horse was fine, I was just a mess knowing that we could have been competitive.
The lesson - go do what you love and don't let anyone crush that dream. There will be "moments" but good people will help you through and encourage you along the way!
Oh my goodness, LOL! I have one similar... like you, the only girl there! I was young and had only roped in the arena a few times with my family, mostly it was out in the pasture checking calves and such. I was heading, everything went fine, caught, heeler caught, go me..... NOT! Heeler lets him up, I un-dally and I was still so nervous I didn't let go of my coils in my other hand, steer takes off, I didn't take off fast enough, coils tighten and I end up with a mouth full of dirt. To make it worse, my horse is still tracking the steer to the back of the arena and I had to take the walk back to the box, with my head hanging low!! Everyone had a good laugh but everyone also gave me a pat on the back.
Everyone has moments when you want to crawl in a hole, some are just in front of people!!! | |
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Expert
Posts: 1857
| lindseylou2290 - 2015-08-17 3:04 PM
GLP - 2015-08-17 11:17 AM
RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM
barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video.
Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though! We all start at different places ... chins up ladies!
My embarrassing moment this last weekend at a little jackpot breakaway roping: to set the stage for ya'll
backstory - dude who I haul with to mounted shootings and I also heel for was talking me and my filly up and even side bet that we'd win compared to this other guy, yadda yadda yadda, he talked alot of smack, and I got nervous for no real reason
me, only chick within 50 miles, on my filly (who can rope and slide just fine ) other contestants -dudes of various ages and abilities
I drew a slower calf (no biggie ) we waited, filly came out of the box clean and smooth .... and ... I roped my fillies freakin' front feet. NO LIE ... she stopped and stood there (THANK JESUS ) and I about died from embarrassment. Dear LORD I will never live it down. The best part was the beer I got handed as I wandered out of the arena with a super red face! The guys were great, I was fine, my horse was fine, I was just a mess knowing that we could have been competitive.
The lesson - go do what you love and don't let anyone crush that dream. There will be "moments" but good people will help you through and encourage you along the way!
Oh my goodness, LOL! I have one similar... like you, the only girl there! I was young and had only roped in the arena a few times with my family, mostly it was out in the pasture checking calves and such. I was heading, everything went fine, caught, heeler caught, go me..... NOT! Heeler lets him up, I un-dally and I was still so nervous I didn't let go of my coils in my other hand, steer takes off, I didn't take off fast enough, coils tighten and I end up with a mouth full of dirt. To make it worse, my horse is still tracking the steer to the back of the arena and I had to take the walk back to the box, with my head hanging low!! Everyone had a good laugh but everyone also gave me a pat on the back.
Everyone has moments when you want to crawl in a hole, some are just in front of people!!! | |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | we went to quite a few playdays when I was younger. I got older and stopped going, well the drama just got worse. One of the elderly ladies that worked the Concession stand (seriously in her 80s) got in a fist fight with a 40 something year old women. I wouldn't have even called it a fair fight but from what I hear that ol woman was just as mean as she was when I was a kid. People always getting hurt for stupid reasons, crazy ass horses and riders that are twice as crazy. Then I have to find an excuse every time they offer for me to come back and ride one of their horses, when I really want to say... no thanks I heard about you getting lawn darted 10 minutes ago I don't really believe he is as gentle as you are telling me now. | |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | I so loved rodeos when I was young and had my share of victories but this whole 4D format made what used to be an evening of entertainment become day-long tiring maddening disappointments.
It was a fun idea but just too many ways to kill the enjoyment.
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Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| GLP - 2015-08-18 9:17 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video. Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though!
This is so sweet. Honestly, you made my day. Thank you so much.
I'm enjoying everyone's stories too. xoxo | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| RidenFly - 2015-08-17 8:49 PM
GLP - 2015-08-18 9:17 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 10:03 AM barrelracr131 - 2015-08-18 7:58 AM RidenFly - 2015-08-17 9:55 AM I miss the days when horse shows were classy and not looking like the actors in a Kenny Chesney video. Ride , I lurked on this site for years and your posts were some of my favorites. You have made me laugh so many times when I needed it. So I am going to tell you my most embarrassing moment in front of Kay Blandford, yes NFR Kay Blandford. I have just started back myself after a 15 year hiatus. I am at least 50 lbs. overweight and cannot ride a 1/4 of the way I used to. But I am coming back at a turtle's pace. I'm not kidding, I thought I was at least going half speed and then I get my time- NOT EVEN 5 D!!!!! So I go to the next race and here is Kay again. She just intimidates the heck out of me. I don't know her at all. Sooo, it's finally my turn to run and I decide I am going to really go for it! I let the mare take off in the alley way and I'm feeling good! All of a sudden Panic hits me hard and for some reason I have the reins doubled up in one hand and I'm heading for the WRONG side of the 1st. Yep I broke the pattern bigger than Dallas! I went on to finish the pattern and I did let the mare go faster BUT I broke it in front of Kay, who is my friend's trainer, and I know she saw it because they were talking when I tried to run. And you know what, I walked by and I glanced over at them and Kay flashed me a genuine smile. Now, I know she doesn't remember this, but I do and will be eternally grateful for that single, brief smile. I walked around after that with my head held high and not embarrassed. Mad at myself? Oh yeah ! But no one even acted like they remembered I was the dork that broke the pattern. I am hoping you read this and laugh or smile. I hope you realize that we have all been there or helped a friend like us out. If you really enjoy it find one friend you are comfortable with and meet up at the race hang out, have a good visit, run the barrels at a comfortable speed. Congratulate yourself for overcoming your nerves and go home to get ready for another race. Personally, I like barrel races better than playdays because in my experience the girls at the barrel race are much less judgemental. Oh, I started going to Yoga classes and they have really helped my balance and strength do that I feeling more secure in the saddle even though the saddle is a little small for me right now. Also, I started with exhibitions only for 3 or 4 raced and have only entered twice. Exhibitions were a lot less pressure for me. What ever you decide, please keep posting here. You always have great stories and I have missed you on here. I am happy your writing career is going so well, though!
I'm enjoying everyone's stories too. xoxo
Well you have made my day several times, so I owed you one, sista! | |
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8699
Location: the end of the rainbow | They have been trying to put on some omoksees around here. At an event a couple of months ago one teenage boy pulled a gun another. Their pretty serious about their 25cent ribbons around here so I try to steer clear. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 165
| The gymkhanas in our area are not like that at all. They are fun family events. No the horsemanship isn't always the best, however there are rules, horse abuse is not tolerated at all on any level and there are people there who can help kids improve their horsemanship. Sportsmanship is an expectation and alcohol is not permitted. We have a nice, well kept arena. Apparently there are snakes, but thankfully I've never come across one yet... Gymkhanas can be a good place for kids, or adults to build confidence with their horses before they move on to the more competetive sanctioned races. We live in a pretty small town and we have riders of every level showing up. We cheer them all on just the same. I know that some riders can give gymkhana a bad name and we have had a few riders who have raised some eyebrows, but for the most part they are really well run, respectable family oriented events. | |
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Gymkhana from hell.