Posted 2016-12-17 9:07 AM Subject: Just wanting to give up.
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Posts: 59
Lately I've been feeling down about my barrel racing career. I have a mare that's in training and is doing great. But she's extremely spooky and stuff and I just get so stressed out over it. I'm 15 and don't have my drivers license so I have to have my dad take me to shows. But when there is shows he's out at work off shore. It's like every opportunity I have just gets flushed down. Sometimes I really just want to give up cause I'm not getting any where. Could anyone maybe give me some advice to help me out any?
Posted 2016-12-17 12:00 PM Subject: RE: Just wanting to give up.
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Posts: 12841
I have been barrel racing since 1959. (I am old) I trained my own horse from a book. I used to win everywhere I ran. I married a man that did not know anything about horse who made me quit riding. After he died I bought new good horses but there is a big problem. I just can't ride like I used to. If I went to win I would have quit a long time ago. I go to compete the best I can. I have someone else train my horses now and they are nice horses. The paint in my avatar is Reserve World Champion in pole bending. Just not with me riding him. I will never quit. My suggestion is to go to a clinic. My first choice for motivation is a Rhinehardt clinic. Vickie and Danny are the most motivational people I know. The second choice would be a Josey clinic. I live near both of them. They do give clinics all over the US. What I am saying is your time will come just be ready when you get to go. One important key is to learn correctly. If you decide to come to Marshall and need someone over 18 to stay with you give me a call. I am not far away
Posted 2016-12-17 12:08 PM Subject: RE: Just wanting to give up.
Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975 Location: Sunnyland Florida
The things you want, work for and had to sacrifice for will remain with you throughout your life. Is there anyone near you that your parents would trust to haul you to jackpots/shows? Sounds like your mare needs exposure, and it's not fun until they are seasoned a little. For the spookiness, order some of the "calming cookies", a lady here on BHW sells them; $35. They work GREAT for young ones. Stick with it if you really love it, in the end it will be so rewarding & worth it. Where there's a will, there's a way - look around and see who you can haul with.
Posted 2016-12-17 12:50 PM Subject: RE: Just wanting to give up.
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Posts: 12841
I want to emphasize a clinic again. Many times spookiness is a trust issue. Who ever is conducting a clinic can help you with spookiness/trust issues. Being around other horses helps too.
Posted 2016-12-17 12:53 PM Subject: RE: Just wanting to give up.
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Posts: 84
When I was at home my parents bought me a play day horse but never took me anywhere. When you get your horse back you may have to do a lot of work where you are in your back yard. If that's the case, try to have a daily schedule of different things to work on. Try to teach your horse how to ride like a Reiner, poles, barrels, western pleasure, etc. Set goals and stay focused. When things change - and they will - you will be ready! You have many years ahead - learn to be happy in the place you are in and it will help you as you get older!!
(I trained my first horse at your age, not even my parents thought I could win on him...I had no money so used what I had. It was for two reining patterns at a big rodeo, queen contest.....well I DID win it and you can do anything you work at. Don't put a time limit on your progress. Look at your progress at 30 day intervals. Read about techniques and apply them). Good Luck!
Just wanting to give up.
