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 Expert
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Location: Somewhere around here | As barrel racers, do you think that we tend to baby our horses in training (or just in general) compared to other western horse trainings; reining, cutting, ranch work, etcetera?
Edited by cecollins0811 2016-06-05 9:20 AM
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 Veteran
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Location: Idaho | Yes. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine line but they are tougher animals than we give them credit for. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
 
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 Expert
Posts: 3534
Location: Stuck in a cubicle having tropical thoughts | I think barrel racing, pole bending, gymkana events are mentally a lot tougher on the horses than the other events, therfore it is much easier to blow one up vs other events. I also think it's pretty physically demanding. Somedays the thought of blasting through the chute and running full speed at a barrel with either a banner on the wall, or maybe an annoucers stand, or a bunch of kids standing by the fence is terrifying to me. I wonder what our horses think. On top of that, there are usually tractors sitting in a corner and there are always people screaming as you turn each barrel "kick, whip, ride, look up, etc". Sometimes I wonder if the spectators yelling is even necessary. I know it's part of it and it makes it exciting but maybe it's not all necessary. I think the jockey already knows to sit up and ride :)
I've never seen a pleasure horse slowly jog into the arena filled with as many banners as barrel events do or have tractors sitting in the corner. I've also never seen a pleasure horse or reining horse fall, hard and flip like a pretzel while running full speed like the barrel horses do. in fact, the only time I've seen a pleasure horse fall is when they are in a versatitily event and they are doing the barrels/poles in the versatitily.
So yes, we might baby the barrel horses more than horses in other events, but I think due to the mental and physical aspects of the sport, it is justified.
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
No |
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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | barlracr429 - 2016-06-05 10:56 AM I think barrel racing, pole bending, gymkana events are mentally a lot tougher on the horses than the other events, therfore it is much easier to blow one up vs other events. I also think it's pretty physically demanding. Somedays the thought of blasting through the chute and running full speed at a barrel with either a banner on the wall, or maybe an annoucers stand, or a bunch of kids standing by the fence is terrifying to me. I wonder what our horses think. On top of that, there are usually tractors sitting in a corner and there are always people screaming as you turn each barrel "kick, whip, ride, look up, etc". Sometimes I wonder if the spectators yelling is even necessary. I know it's part of it and it makes it exciting but maybe it's not all necessary. I think the jockey already knows to sit up and ride :)
I've never seen a pleasure horse slowly jog into the arena filled with as many banners as barrel events do or have tractors sitting in the corner. I've also never seen a pleasure horse or reining horse fall, hard and flip like a pretzel while running full speed like the barrel horses do. in fact, the only time I've seen a pleasure horse fall is when they are in a versatitily event and they are doing the barrels/poles in the versatitily.
So yes, we might baby the barrel horses more than horses in other events, but I think due to the mental and physical aspects of the sport, it is justified.
I agree with most of what you have said in regards to barrel horses expected to run in with banners, tractors etc. But being both a barrel racer and reiner I respectfully disagree on mentally tougher part. I know I am way tougher by far on my reiners and they have to be mentally way tougher to take the trainer and discpline required to be good. What I expect out of my reiner and what I will let slide on my barrel horses are huge. My reiner better not even think about taking a step without my cue first. I expect them to wait on my cue for pretty much everything when I'm on them. I expect to control every part of their body. That is mentally taxing on a horse. My barrel horses are allowed to think and act on their own with me their for guidance. So I think reining is actually one of the toughest events on horses mentally. I don't think reining is quite as tough on them physically as barrels are though. Don't get me wrong it's tough on their hocks, etc. doing sliding stops and spins. but most reining shows do provide good ground for us to compete on, which sadly isn't the case at a lot of rodeo's. I think if rodeo's in particular had better ground barrel horses wouldn't have as many of the soundness issues they do have. It's one reason the last few years I've limited my barrel racing to barrel racing events, where it seems most try to have better ground.
Travelling in the show circuit and the barrel circuit yes I do think barrel horses are babied a bit more, especially in their training. I see a lot of horses being allowed to be out of form and doing things that show horses wouldn't be allowed to do, from reining, to pleasure. Don't know about cutting as I don't travel in the world. This is just what I've observed travelling in both circles.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| No for the reasons following
Futurity trainers, if they aren't going to make a futurity horse, they cull them. They are also starting horses before bones are completely formed. The majority don't make it past the futurity year without maintance.
There are also people/trainers/etc that will give their horse any chemical under the sun to get the horse to the top without stopping to think what the long term consequences/effects will be on the horse.
Vets are client centered, not horse centered and are giving the horse a short term fix without actually investigating and diagnosing what is a really wrong with the horse.
Weekend warriors or hobby barrel racers want to make the horse feel good, and will try every suppliment on the market hoping for the miracle cure to make the horse sound, start turning again, sedated, and to look healthy. The majority of the supplements there is no scientific evidence behind them, also if dealing with herbs, and not knowing the interactions between the herbs, one can actually do more damage then good.
The products out there, yes there are some that are wonderful and improve the quality of the horses life.
Soft rides for hauling are awesome, and why we need these now and not 20 years ago, we are hauling farther, and now trailers have aluminum floors which vibrates, therefore the horses are put through excess stress, one vet has said that he injects more bursa sacs because of trailering vibrations now then 10 years ago. The wooden floors are much better for the horse, less vibration, and more give.
I could go on, but hopefully you get the point.
Edited by cheryl makofka 2016-06-05 12:18 PM
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 9:20 AM As barrel racers, do you think that we tend to baby our horses in training (or just in general) compared to other western horse trainings; reining, cutting, ranch work, etcetera?
What do you think would be the answer to your question?  |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM
Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page.
Hence the WOW
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  Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page.
LOL ....... Someone stays up nights thinking up questions OR they are trying to get their post count up......hoping to get a name....... |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM
~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page.
I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| No, mine are not babied, they get great care for doing what I ask of them. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | cheryl makofka - 2016-06-05 3:49 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part.
and most of her threads have more than one page full of replies so apparently folks are enjoying responding and chatting.ya<ll need to get off your high horses.how many times have you all said...if you dont want to read it,dont click on it. |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | jake16 - 2016-06-05 5:28 PM cheryl makofka - 2016-06-05 3:49 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part.
I was only repeating what SHE wrote awhile ago lamenting that she didn't have a "name" ..... and somebody telling her that you had to have 1000 posts.....so get off of your HIGH HORSE !!!! |
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Location: SE Louisiana | jake16 - 2016-06-05 5:28 PM
cheryl makofka - 2016-06-05 3:49 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part.
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | NJJ - 2016-06-05 6:31 PM jake16 - 2016-06-05 5:28 PM cheryl makofka - 2016-06-05 3:49 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part.
bringing it up ONCE was enough............. |
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Fact Checker
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Location: Displaced Iowegian | jake16 - 2016-06-05 5:39 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 6:31 PM jake16 - 2016-06-05 5:28 PM cheryl makofka - 2016-06-05 3:49 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 2:37 PM ~BINGO~ - 2016-06-05 1:13 PM Annnnd now we're up to ten threads on the front page. I never counted posts, but the questions are creating discussion, no drama, and horse related, pretty good topics for the most part.
Lighten up.......  |
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Expert
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Location: Somewhere around here | Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things.
1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.
2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions.
3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads.
Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol. If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life.
Edited by cecollins0811 2016-06-06 7:27 AM
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Fact Checker
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Location: Displaced Iowegian | cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 6:12 PM Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things. 1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions. 3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads. Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol.If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life.
But, hey....you ARE getting closer to the count.......  |
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Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | NJJ - 2016-06-05 5:26 PM
cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 6:12 PM Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things. 1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions. 3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads. Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol.If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life.
But, hey....you ARE getting closer to the count.......
Lol true ;D but the only reason people are noticing is because I'm starting threads instead of just keep on commenting on other threads. |
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 Goat Giver
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| cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 7:04 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 5:26 PM cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 6:12 PM Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things. 1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions. 3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads. Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol.If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life. But, hey....you ARE getting closer to the count....... Lol true ;D but the only reason people are noticing is because I'm starting threads instead of just keep on commenting on other threads.
I think I had more like 5000 before I got named. There is no rule. |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| Well I think the threads have been fun.
And to answer the question... I will speak for myself and say that my horses are *not* babied.
They are expected to perform when under saddle. Otherwise they are free to do as they please. |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | kmcsunshine - 2016-06-05 7:25 PM
cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 7:04 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 5:26 PM cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 6:12 PM Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things. 1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions. 3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads. Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol.If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life. But, hey....you ARE getting closer to the count....... Lol true ;D but the only reason people are noticing is because I'm starting threads instead of just keep on commenting on other threads.
I must be getting close then..   |
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8699
Location: the end of the rainbow | I don't feel like my horses are babied. I feel like they are well taken care of. Maybe they aren't generally worked as hard as they should be, because I'm lazy and often short on time, but they get ridden regularly. I am kind of soft on them & let them get away with stuff I know I shouldn't sometimes, mostly if it's something I think is "cute". |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 557
Location: Kansas and loving it | In some ways I do baby my horse. Mainly because I am very thankful to have one. But, she doesn't have a blanket, she is not stalled, no fly mask, or allowed to disrespectful to me. I would say I am half and half. :) |
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Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | komet. - 2016-06-05 6:58 PM
kmcsunshine - 2016-06-05 7:25 PM
cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 7:04 PM NJJ - 2016-06-05 5:26 PM cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 6:12 PM Lol wow ok, let me clarify a few things. 1. I'm not trying to get a name but you are correct about me commenting in another person's post about THEIR post count and that I didn't know that people were given names after they hit a particular count, just thought it was an interesting observation.2. Like most women, I think...a lot. Questions pop into my head often and I write in a journal, so I write down the questions. 3. Lately I've felt BHW had been in a rut and needed some new fresh questions and topics, instead of the same ol "look at these bloodlines" or "tell me about this bit" threads. Not saying there is anything wrong with these questions, but I bored lol.If you have any questions about me or my motives, please call out and talk about it. I'd not, who cares? It's someone on the internet that you'll most likely never ever see in your life. But, hey....you ARE getting closer to the count....... Lol true ;D but the only reason people are noticing is because I'm starting threads instead of just keep on commenting on other threads.
I must be getting close then..
Hahaha that's what I was thinking last night! "Wait, what about all these people with their 1000+ and no names?" |
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 A very grounded girl
Posts: 5052
Location: Moving soon..... | Yes I do and proud of it. Sometimes I have to get after him, but he is my once in a lifetime horse. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Old team roper told me I babied my horse, but he was still running barrels and crashing brush into his 20's. It's not babying them, its taking care of them I told him. |
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 Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24138
Location: Carpenter, WY | cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 8:20 AM As barrel racers, do you think that we tend to baby our horses in training (or just in general) compared to other western horse trainings; reining, cutting, ranch work, etcetera?
In general, yes |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | I do invest in many of the extras for mine, but when I'm working/riding there is no babying. That hour or so out of the day he works for ME.
I don't think there is a professional trainer out there that babies their horses under work. Barrel Racing just has more owner/trainer competitors which is where some of the 'babying' comes in. I was guilty of it until a pro trainer got to me. The other disciplines you listed - almost everyone works with a trainer full time.
Edited by linds 2016-06-06 10:05 AM
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 9:20 AM
As barrel racers, do you think that we tend to baby our horses in training (or just in general) compared to other western horse trainings; reining, cutting, ranch work, etcetera?
What do you mean by "babying " them? Petting, giving cookies, letting them get away with stuff? Or is the injections, supplements, magnets, BOT, chiro, massage, worry about correct saddle fit, the right bit, etc. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| Ask a team roper LOL. |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | scwebster - 2016-06-06 11:03 AM Ask a team roper LOL.
I was thinking the same thing!LOL |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I dont know about you but I take darn good care of my horses. And if they need something special they get it, so I dont know if thats babying them.
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2016-06-06 2:45 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| Just had a reality check myself yesterday. I have always babied my horses in the fact that they are extremely well taken care of feed/vet care/ wise etc. I do LOVE on them and its always worked out good. But I have a five year old who can bat his eye lashes and melt you and make you feel like he would be the last one you would ever have to get after performance/Training wise. lol SO he began to take advantage and we had a little meeting of the minds and BOY did it make a difference. |
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 Expert
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Location: Missouri | GLP - 2016-06-06 10:09 AM
cecollins0811 - 2016-06-05 9:20 AM
As barrel racers, do you think that we tend to baby our horses in training (or just in general) compared to other western horse trainings; reining, cutting, ranch work, etcetera?
What do you mean by "babying " them? Petting, giving cookies, letting them get away with stuff? Or is the injections, supplements, magnets, BOT, chiro, massage, worry about correct saddle fit, the right bit, etc.
I was going to ask this.
As far as the vet care and taking good care of them, no. But, I'll be the first to admit that occasionally I let my mare get away with crap that I shouldn't allow. So in that sense, yes, sometimes I baby her. And I shouldn't. |
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Veteran
Posts: 276
| I think everyone is going to have a different opinion of what is "babying" a horse. I will not judge anyone on how they care for their horse as long as they are doing their best to ensure their horse is healthy. Some people like to go what I would call above and beyond, and that is fine with me. I even feel like I do this with some of my older horses who I have owned for a long time. BUT the one thing that I cannot stand, is I frequently see barrel racers who let their horses get away with so much (more like spoiling instead of babying), that they are putting themselves and others in danger with their terrible behavior, and that is ridiculous. Whether it be over-feeding and not enough riding, lack of discipline, whatever, if your horse is so babied, spoiled, or whatever you want to call it, that it is going to hurt someone, please change things up! |
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 Queen Bee Cat Owner
Posts: 3629
Location: Way up North | Yes. But I think for good reason.
I have rode a lot of different events and experienced the different mentalities on training and care as well as people's perceptions on those in other events from their own. I catch crap from my cow horse friends for my 'princess ponies' all the time. They can't believe how much more time I spend conditioning and caring for my horses than they do especially because they don't think barrel racing is that difficult. What they don't understand is how much 1 second matters in barrel racing and how tight the competition is these days.
Think about it, 1 second is an extra step here, a hesitation there. 1 second really is not much time but it makes so much difference in our world. The entries keeping growing a long with the payouts and everyone is looking for that little extra edge to shave those tenths off.
I think we can take the babying to an uneccessary level which can lead to bad habits and spoiled horses but I don't think people intend to do that, just too much of a good thing deal. Sometimes we need a reality check and get back to practicality. No supplement can replace wet saddle pads and no amount of injecting can make an untalented horse a super star. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 788
| Whatever you want to call it, I do think barrel horses are in general better cared for. Probably because it is a majority of women and we want to take care of things. Not saying men dont but we all know those ropers. . . Anyways, I have seen a lot of unneccesary (dont think I spelled that right) spoiling or letting horses get away with stuff disipline wise. I have personally always tried my best to make sure I have my horses respect because I think it is very important. But they do have BOT wraps, treats, and whatever else I think might make them feel a little better or help me build a better relationship with them. So, if my horses are considered "babied" I could care less, I love them. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 211
Location: Vinton, La. | I baby my Baby and she's not a barrel horse. Just a nice little ole retired race mare that makes me decent racehorse babies and now hopefully some nice barrel babies. As my trainer used to say, "Baby, Baby, Baby..." And as I say, "Ohhh Baby Baby, my Baby Baby." Her devil spawn of a momma? Couldn't baby her if you tried.
In my opinion there is a difference between babying one and letting one walk all over you. Mine knows not to cross that line.
And I did baby her while she was in race training. But I took care of 17 horses and they were all babied.
Edited by Bigtime mistake 2016-06-06 3:15 PM
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 575
| I think everyone thinks something different when you say "baby them".
But for me, yes. In regards to the fact that if a horse blinks wrong during a run, we're sprinting to the vet for a lameness evaluation. Most of the time the jockey could use some lessons, the horse could use some training, or he could just flat out be being a butt head. Are there instances where things are pain related? Absolutely! But barrel racers as a whole take it to the extreme. |
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 Warmblood with Wings
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Location: Florida.. | Yes but they are worth it......... |
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A Somebody to Everybody
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Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Bibliafarm - 2016-06-06 5:15 PM Yes but they are worth it.........
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 Elite Veteran
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Location: KS | Absolutely! If my horses NEED something, they get it, BUT they are in no way babied when under saddle or when it comes to ground manners. |
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Shelter Dog Lover
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| Southtxponygirl - 2016-06-06 5:22 PM Bibliafarm - 2016-06-06 5:15 PM Yes but they are worth it.........
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I don't think barrel racers baby their horses more than most other disciplines (some, yes) but MOST of us in general baby them to a degree. Each discipline seems to have a different way of caring for their horses though. For example in general, I find english riders to be more skeptical of "alternative" therapies like magnetic blankets for example. This is just a generalization though.
Wanting to take the best care possible for our horses is good, and babying them a little isn't a bad thing, but like any situation, there comes a point when enough is enough. I often call my horse my delicate little flower, cause he does have a lot of issues. He got bullied out in the pasture (like, really bad) so was brought in to a dry lot. He was on a rather complex natural diet, expensive supplement, theraplate sessions (note: I wouldn't pay for one, but had one available for free), lived in a fly sheet, tail bag, shoes, etc. I tried turning him out again now that the meanest horses in the pasture are gone. Within 3 days he managed to remove his fly sheet, lose his tail bag, and rip off a shoe (leading to me just removing the other one). He won't even touch grain anymore cause he fills up on good grass all day! You know what, aside from some scrapes and welts from bugs (allergies) he is just happy as can be! He is in better physical condition and having the shoes allowed him to grow a thicker sole so now he's sound barefoot. He has just lit up inside as well. You can see the joy in his expression. I'll never forget when I first turned him out there, he didn't want to be caught. After a few days, once he realized that is where he lives now, when he saw me he nickered and squealed like never before (and he always greets me with a nicker, but this was extra) and came flying up the hill towards me, ears pricked as far forward as they go. It was like he was saying thank you. He's never given me trouble catching him since that first time.
Moral of the story is, it's good to do all we can for our horses. Providing adequate vet/health care, making sure their tack is fitted and comfortable, conditioning them properly, and other misc. preventitive care to make their lives more comfortable (icing legs, fly sheets, special shoeing, etc.) is all essential for our horses but the most important thing, that SO many forget, is to let the horse BE A HORSE.
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Mine works her tail off for me....so I take as good of care as I possibly can of her. I'm a firm believer in lots of turn out. She's on pasture during the day and up at night. I use BOT when it's cool enough, Ice Vibes after tough workouts, body washes...I'm fanatical about tack fitting properly. Diet = we keep it simple, top quality alfalfa and grass right now.
That said - I ride her probably 6 days a week (and I don't mean trot for 15 min). I expect her to earn her keep. I head steers on her, my husband heels on her occasionally and I run barrels. How would I expect her to like her job and work her best - if I'm not keeping her healthy?
I learned to really care for horses at the racetrack and hunter/jumper barns....no, I don't feel that a lot of barrel racers do that great of a job of taking care of their horse's health.
Edited by MS2011 2016-06-07 8:39 AM
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| FLITASTIC - 2016-06-06 11:49 AM Just had a reality check myself yesterday. I have always babied my horses in the fact that they are extremely well taken care of feed/vet care/ wise etc. I do LOVE on them and its always worked out good. But I have a five year old who can bat his eye lashes and melt you and make you feel like he would be the last one you would ever have to get after performance/Training wise. lol SO he began to take advantage and we had a little meeting of the minds and BOY did it make a difference.
Sometimes you just have to tune one up! |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I take care of my athlete's, some call it babying, some call it normal care.
They will work 24/7 if I ask them too. They sure wouldn't if they didn't like me or I didn't make sure they felt 100%
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| scwebster - 2016-06-06 11:03 AM
Ask a team roper LOL.
I'm marrying one so I know this well.
His answer would be YES.
BUT my argument back to him is to look at the difference in performance. If his horse feels sluggish or isn't wanting to fire - to some extent he can make up with skill, see less of a steer out of the gate, drop a coil and rope him, etc. if you're a skilled roper you can get a heck of a lot farther on a greener horse or a horse who isn't at the top of his game than we can as barrel racers - an opinion that he agrees with.
I know my horses and I know when they're 100% or not 100%. I'm headed to the Bonus Race Finals this weekend and it's going to be 100* Saturday. I have every intention of keeping an eye on water intake, icing legs after runs, dosing with air power before runs and probably using flair strips, anything I can do to make sure they are comfortable so they can work for me to the best of their ability.
I don't think I'm obsessive, but in a sport were .001 is often the difference in a check or not a check - a little goes a long way. |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | That would greatly depend on what you consider babying one. For instance, I have a gelding standing in my barn right now. He has his MagnaCu sheet, hood and bell boots on. He lives in a 16' x 20' mare and foal stall because he hates to be turned out. Due to the fact that he stays in, he gets taken out for hand grazes morning and evening, plus gets ridden daily, even if it's just a 30 minute walk. He gets massaged once a week, adjusted as needed and gets the TheraPulse blanket almost daily. In turn, this horse wins for us more often than not. He had 7 months off in between runs and came back last weekend and placed 5th at a pretty tough pro rodeo.
For everything that he does get however, he is expected to work when he is called upon. I don't take foolishness off of him. He is expected to ride like he knows how, perform to his potential and not cause a fuss in the process. He has times where he hauls extremely hard, hauls hours to a rodeo, gets minimal warm up, makes a run, cools out, gets in the trailer and hauls straight to the next one to do it all over again. I won't have one that doesn't do the job when asked. If they think they can freeload around here, they get told otherwise. Should they opt to try it some more, they find somewhere else to live. |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| OhMax - 2016-06-08 4:17 PM scwebster - 2016-06-06 11:03 AM Ask a team roper LOL. I'm marrying one so I know this well. His answer would be YES. BUT my argument back to him is to look at the difference in performance. If his horse feels sluggish or isn't wanting to fire - to some extent he can make up with skill, see less of a steer out of the gate, drop a coil and rope him, etc. if you're a skilled roper you can get a heck of a lot farther on a greener horse or a horse who isn't at the top of his game than we can as barrel racers - an opinion that he agrees with. I know my horses and I know when they're 100% or not 100%. I'm headed to the Bonus Race Finals this weekend and it's going to be 100* Saturday. I have every intention of keeping an eye on water intake, icing legs after runs, dosing with air power before runs and probably using flair strips, anything I can do to make sure they are comfortable so they can work for me to the best of their ability. I don't think I'm obsessive, but in a sport were .001 is often the difference in a check or not a check - a little goes a long way.
I hear that a lot from my hubby. "you baby him too much" "tune him up" "whip his @**" |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | rodeomom3 - 2016-06-07 6:21 AM Southtxponygirl - 2016-06-06 5:22 PM Bibliafarm - 2016-06-06 5:15 PM Yes but they are worth it.........
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| yes...but I came from hunters/jumpers and barrel racers and their horses are pretty much wild women on zebras to those people. Talk about babied horses...you ought to see some of them. Jeez!! |
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I'm married to a team roper and he has rolled his eyes so much at what I do for my horses, I think his eyes got stuck! Lol! I don't care though.. I just do my thing. It makes me happy. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas |
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Do we baby our horses?