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Regular
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| So there were a few young teens (~19) that made the nfr this year, and yet there are riders who will spend their whole life competing and never get to the nfr...What's making the difference -- It's not years of talent because they are only teens right? So are they just rich? Or is there something else I'm failing to see? |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | P68 - 2014-02-02 6:32 PM So there were a few young teens (~19) that made the nfr this year, and yet there are riders who will spend their whole life competing and never get to the nfr...What's making the difference -- It's not years of talent because they are only teens right? So are they just rich? Or is there something else I'm failing to see?
This really just rubbed me the wrong way. What a shallow train of thought. First of all, none were in the their teens, low twenties at the youngest, but that's completely irrelevant to me. Those girls had to work their asses off to be there. Thousands of miles on the road, plenty of up all nights, their share of the bad runs with the good, paying their dues in the practice pen and the years of dedication before qualifying. Having money to go down the road is only a fraction of what it takes to make the NFR, I bet there are plenty of people will oodles more money than those girls who did not make it. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
 
| Yes I think Taylor Jacobs is the youngest and correct me if I am wrong she is 21.
I think having the financial stability is obviously helpful but thats with anything. Some people are lucky enough to find the horse that fits them and can take them places. Ive been riding my whole life and I have horses that I couldnt outrun a donkey on but others could and then ive done better on some than others could. I think having not only financial support but also moral support for help on the road. Also some people dont have the occupations to travel and hit the bigger rodeos. Or they only have one real competitive horse and it can be done on one but its really helpful to have 2-3 competive horses.
And it all boils down to, some riders are more talented than others. There are many many variables that play into it. Knowing your horse and knowing what arenas they strive in. Getting pro help on draws and entering. Its more than just barrel racing.
I am by now means NFR bound  but just observations. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| BamaCanChaser - 2014-02-02 8:42 PM
P68 - 2014-02-02 6:32 PM So there were a few young teens (~19) that made the nfr this year, and yet there are riders who will spend their whole life competing and never get to the nfr...What's making the difference -- It's not years of talent because they are only teens right? So are they just rich? Or is there something else I'm failing to see?
This really just rubbed me the wrong way. What a shallow train of thought. First of all, none were in the their teens, low twenties at the youngest, but that's completely irrelevant to me. Those girls had to work their asses off to be there. Thousands of miles on the road, plenty of up all nights, their share of the bad runs with the good, paying their dues in the practice pen and the years of dedication before qualifying. Having money to go down the road is only a fraction of what it takes to make the NFR, I bet there are plenty of people will oodles more money than those girls who did not make it.
Like the rodeo girl lady for example
Sorry i couldnt resist. Thats my snarky comment of the day. |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10793
Location: Kansas | No matter what age you are or how hard you work, money certainly helps. Not taking away from the hard work, long hours on the road......but c'mon buying talented and expensive horses helps make the road a little less rocky.
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | They are all good riders to be at that level. Every rider at the NFR needs a large amount of money to travel all year around the country. But it is not only the money it is the horse. In barrel racing the horse is what makes or breaks a good rider. If you have a great rider that is lucky enough to come across a great horse you have a chance. It takes a specific type of rider, horse, and the money to go down the road. you have some barrel racers that have a few million in the bank and the best equipment money can buy but they still can't ride well enough to make it. So yes it takes money but it also take true rider! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | It did not rub me wrong. What makes that point valid is that girls with less money have to go through so many more cheap horses to find the one. Girls with more money can pick and choose, and if one doesn't work, just sell it and buy a new one. Of course that doesn't mean they don't work hard, just means they have good horses at their fingertips any time. I think it definitely makes a difference.
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7613
Location: Dubach, LA | Don't forget that new stars rise off of one lucky horse. That seems to be what it takes. After success with one horse, people jump on the bandwagon to send good colts to that person. Doesn't take long for that mediocre rider to have his pick of quality horses. |
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Regular
Posts: 95
| I am trying to understand on purely a factual level. I have said before that I have no doubt those girls deserve to be there for reasons other than money. But horses are not generally a poor man's sport, we know that, hence a fact. The bigger and animal or object (ie house, etc) the more money it will take to maintain. Extra horses and training or amount of rodeos could be a legitimate factor in the sport and that's what I was wondering by that.
However, I like cancan's view and a few of the other comments. I'm starting to think a chemistry must be present for all to fall into place. That's really what it seems to come down to. |
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 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | Teenagers can't qualify for the NFR, unless they're 18 or 19....you cannot buy a WPRA card until you're 18. Personally, I think what it takes is a superhorse. Some people luck into one and are also lucky enough to have a good support system to be able to make the NFR. I know Janet Stover sure isn't rich, but she made it there more than once, and I could name several more. Some people never get that super horse, so no matter how hard they work, if they're not mounted on something that can run with them, they're spinning their wheels, no matter how much money they have. If they have the money to buy a super horse, they still have to be able to ride that kind of horse, which let me tell you, is unlike your usual barrel horse. It's like going from a Volkswagen to a NASCAR. Everything happens quicker than you can think about it. So, IMO, you have to be very blessed, lucky, or whatever you call it, to have a great horse, and then be lucky enough to be able to afford going down the road and be able to keep that great horse sound. JMO |
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| Even with the right horse, money can certainly make the difference in the hauling costs, ability to afford not to work that full-time job, truck & trailer, take care of repairs on the road, etc. That in no way takes away from the hard work it takes to be that caliber of rider and able to keep a horse sound through the rigors of hauling. I suspect that if you dig deep enough, you would find some deep pockets supporting most of the gals hauling that hard. |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | P68 - 2014-02-02 6:32 PM It's not years of talent because they are only teens right?
That statement is a fallacy. Some of these "women" (since none were teens) have been riding horses and competing from a VERY young age. That could be, at the very least, 10-15+ years experience. IMO, the one reason that some make it and not others is NOT money but getting and being able to RIDE the "right" horse. |
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| The secret to any successful equestrian: "GOOD HORSES"! And OBVIOUSLY... quite a bit more, but ya gotta start w/that horse!
Edited by bingo 2014-02-04 4:25 PM
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Location: Great NW | Money, Luck and Talent in any order, in every event. some say you make your luck. Your state of mind has a lot to do with it and when you have people behind you making sure things get done and there is enough money to continue on down the road all that support goes a long way to securing a very positive state of mind. |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | dianeguinn - 2014-02-04 11:29 AM Teenagers can't qualify for the NFR, unless they're 18 or 19....you cannot buy a WPRA card until you're 18. Personally, I think what it takes is a superhorse. Some people luck into one and are also lucky enough to have a good support system to be able to make the NFR. I know Janet Stover sure isn't rich, but she made it there more than once, and I could name several more. Some people never get that super horse, so no matter how hard they work, if they're not mounted on something that can run with them, they're spinning their wheels, no matter how much money they have. If they have the money to buy a super horse, they still have to be able to ride that kind of horse, which let me tell you, is unlike your usual barrel horse. It's like going from a Volkswagen to a NASCAR. Everything happens quicker than you can think about it. So, IMO, you have to be very blessed, lucky, or whatever you call it, to have a great horse, and then be lucky enough to be able to afford going down the road and be able to keep that great horse sound. JMO
rules must have changed....cause wasn't fallon 13 or 14 and same with charmayne when they made the nfr??????
m |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | So how come the rule change......I really am just curious....im guessing insurance maybeM |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| NJJ - 2014-02-03 12:52 PM
P68 - 2014-02-02 6:32 PM It's not years of talent because they are only teens right?
That statement is a fallacy. Some of these "women" (since none were teens) have been riding horses and competing from a VERY young age. That could be, at the very least, 10-15+ years experience. IMO, the one reason that some make it and not others is NOT money but getting and being able to RIDE the "right" horse.
Yes I am only 24 but have been running since I was 4. Won my first state championship at age 6 (mounted on a very nice horse) but at any rate, I would have 20 years experience. I know up here, we have some really nice youth riders 12-15 (also mounted on nice horses) but they can ride them. Some people have a natural talent in my opinion and some have to work harder for it. |
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Regular
Posts: 95
| Yeah it's interesting to learn about the many different types of riders. And yes there did not used to be an age limit (it is now 18) many of the greats first got to the nfr as teenagers. So it makes me think...if they're supposed to be in school and are not working full time, how do you fund barrel racing? Surely sponsors don't come knocking right away. So I agree with others -- support through others. $family$ |
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Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | mruggles - 2014-02-04 4:37 PM
dianeguinn - 2014-02-04 11:29 AM Teenagers can't qualify for the NFR, unless they're 18 or 19....you cannot buy a WPRA card until you're 18. Personally, I think what it takes is a superhorse. Some people luck into one and are also lucky enough to have a good support system to be able to make the NFR. I know Janet Stover sure isn't rich, but she made it there more than once, and I could name several more. Some people never get that super horse, so no matter how hard they work, if they're not mounted on something that can run with them, they're spinning their wheels, no matter how much money they have. If they have the money to buy a super horse, they still have to be able to ride that kind of horse, which let me tell you, is unlike your usual barrel horse. It's like going from a Volkswagen to a NASCAR. Everything happens quicker than you can think about it. So, IMO, you have to be very blessed, lucky, or whatever you call it, to have a great horse, and then be lucky enough to be able to afford going down the road and be able to keep that great horse sound. JMO
rules must have changed....cause wasn't fallon 13 or 14 and same with charmayne when they made the nfr??????
m
I don't remember what year they changed it....I know Fallon was already a member when it was changed, so she was grandfathered in...but it had something to do with child labor laws....because they earn money and are considered professionals. I'm thinking it was in the 90's, but not sure. Memory isn't what it used to be.
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boon
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| The rule change was in 1994 or 1995. The under 18 members at the time were "grandfathered" in. I think It may be in the WPRA rule book. |
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 ...Dot Dot Dot...
Posts: 2059
Location: SW New Mexico | IMO, it isn't the amount of money one has .. I also have seen where people buy the big name horse and the big rig, and they cant place at a jackpot, but they go pro. They are living their dream.
I made my Turquoise circuit finals, and I did it on waitresswages and tips..
I saved and scrimped to afford diesel and entry fees..
I never ate out. Lived on cereal, milk, yogurt, and determination!
I had a fairly nice horse, and got lucky once in a while and placed. I had a camper, and a bumper pull slant load, with a blue heeler in the front seat with me.
I just recently survived a bad time in my life, and feel I am reborn.
I have a nice horse, Brother Dave.., and just bought the rig of my dreams. I have 10 years or so left(I'm 53) and want to pursue my goal, of living the gypsy life.. I love Pro Rodeo.
I will never be a Gold Card holder,that was a life long goal...but life handed me a lemon there(bad marriages) but at least I am trying.
My point to my rambling is.. teenager or not.. If the determination is there, and if one is NOT afraid of working and the sacrifices to get there.. I believe anything is possible!!!!
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Veteran
Posts: 131
Location: Georgia | There is no promise of tomorrow. Do it today have you have the means and ability. Congratulations to all age riders who make the NFR and accomplish whatever goal they seek. On the flip side there are many who have been riding all their life and cannot ride a lick...they still enjoy it though. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 596
Location: Somewhere in the middle of nowhere | barreldawgdad - 2014-04-24 1:58 PM There is no promise of tomorrow. Do it today have you have the means and ability. Congratulations to all age riders who make the NFR and accomplish whatever goal they seek. On the flip side there are many who have been riding all their life and cannot ride a lick...they still enjoy it though.
This is so true...
Edited by nmeastplains 2014-04-24 3:10 PM
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| P68 - 2014-02-04 7:24 PM Yeah it's interesting to learn about the many different types of riders. And yes there did not used to be an age limit (it is now 18) many of the greats first got to the nfr as teenagers. So it makes me think...if they're supposed to be in school and are not working full time, how do you fund barrel racing? Surely sponsors don't come knocking right away. So I agree with others -- support through others. $family$
If you don't have family $$$$, then you find a rich sugar daddy!
Honestly, I have wondered the same things you're asking about. As much as it costs to do it full time and without a full time job, there has to be deep pockets somewhere supporting you. From prior posts, I understand the sponsors mainly "pay" in products?? (That doesn't buy you a tank of diesel) |
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 Expert
Posts: 5290
| I think the youngest to goto the NFR was Rachel Myllamacki. I want to say she was 9-10 years old. Obviously before the rule change. Don't quote me. |
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Veteran
Posts: 104
| I agree, money helps, but don't we also get money at theses barrel races? Some make their living (a comfortable one at that) barrel racing, strictly. I think if you're at the point to where you are qualifying at the NFR the funds behind you is a mute point.
Correct me if I'm wrong. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1017
Location: New Mexico | Youngest qualifier was Ann Lewis in 1968, she was 9 or 10. |
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 Member
Posts: 24
| Being a fairly successful teen myself I'd like to add some points.
Sure these young women have great financial stability, but I'd like to add that most of them CREATED that financial stability for themselves. Many barrel racers are business owners and entrepreneurs not to mention extremely hard workers.
These ladies are incredibly dedicated and spend hours and hours each day learning, working out and training, not to mention driving around seasoning horses.
I have trained all of my own horses, the secret is sticking with them. You have to believe in your horse and not just flip them in order to succeed. I've seen so many girls who are on the verge of a break through, but then they sell their horse and never see success.
Many NFR riders train their own horses on the pattern. Sure a good support system really helps, but YOU are the one who does stuff for YOU. YOU have to get up in the morning, go ride, read books and workout. Nobody else is gonna do it for you. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
Location: MN | rodeomom4 - 2014-12-04 4:28 PM Youngest qualifier was Ann Lewis in 1968, she was 9 or 10.
Yep - Ann was the youngest to qualify at age 10 but never competed due to a fatal car accident right before the NFR. She was also the world champion that year as her lead held thru the 10 days.
Rachael was the the youngest to ever compete at age 11.
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10793
Location: Kansas | This thread is from 2014. 
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Member
Posts: 24
| Frodo - 2018-10-02 10:39 AM
This thread is from 2014.
Sooooooooo? |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | I don't care how many times you girls spin this but it looks like to me with how many barrles are knocked over at the NFR that money is the biggest help. |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| mruggles - 2014-02-04 5:37 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-04 11:29 AM Teenagers can't qualify for the NFR, unless they're 18 or 19....you cannot buy a WPRA card until you're 18. Personally, I think what it takes is a superhorse. Some people luck into one and are also lucky enough to have a good support system to be able to make the NFR. I know Janet Stover sure isn't rich, but she made it there more than once, and I could name several more. Some people never get that super horse, so no matter how hard they work, if they're not mounted on something that can run with them, they're spinning their wheels, no matter how much money they have. If they have the money to buy a super horse, they still have to be able to ride that kind of horse, which let me tell you, is unlike your usual barrel horse. It's like going from a Volkswagen to a NASCAR. Everything happens quicker than you can think about it. So, IMO, you have to be very blessed, lucky, or whatever you call it, to have a great horse, and then be lucky enough to be able to afford going down the road and be able to keep that great horse sound. JMO rules must have changed....cause wasn't fallon 13 or 14 and same with charmayne when they made the nfr??????
m
i was thinking that to lindsey hayes THEN IN 68 ANN LEWIS POSTHUMous she was 10 |
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Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | Child labor laws went into effect in the 80's sometime, so the PRCA said that children under 18 could not be professionals that were paid compensation. They could only be amateurs. Therefore no one under 18 can have a card. That's why they now have the JUNIOR NFR. There hasn't been anyone under 18 @ the NFR since Fallon & she was grandfathered in because she already had a card. |
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Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | Child labor laws went into effect in the 80's sometime, so the PRCA said that children under 18 could not be professionals that were paid compensation. They could only be amateurs. Therefore no one under 18 can have a card. That's why they now have the JUNIOR NFR. There hasn't been anyone under 18 @ the NFR since Fallon & she was grandfathered in because she already had a card. |
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But. . .they're only teenagers?