Alicat0909 - 2013-11-29 10:05 PM

are you allowing fence sitters at your clinic in tyler? Id love to go!!

WrapSnap - 2013-11-26 10:04 PM

As a trainer and instructor, I am often approached by people at barrel races who are looking for tips to "get better". Most often, these individuals do not want lessons, just ways that they can improve their times. These folks want that magical bit, spur, whip, or maybe tuning exercise that will catapult them into the upper levels of barrel racing. They may spend hours each week out long trotting, loping circles, tuning, etc... They are dedicating tons of time and physical energy into the sport. I commend that dedication, I do. The problem is, those folks are not truly doing enough to allow them to progress.

All too often, I see people buying bigger, nicer, faster horses, in hopes of achieving that ever elusive 1D run. Sometimes, it may even work for them a time, or two. Slowly but surely, they start slipping. They take the horse to the vet. They tune more. They put the horse on a new supplement. Any one of these things are a relevant place to look. The problem being, this is the only place that many will look. They are still putting in the hours. They are still investing the money. They still exhibit the dedication, but at some point, one has to realize that they are not doing enough.

There are a lot of very talented riders out there. Many of them can compete and place in the 2D at even the biggest shows. That is a huge accomplishment. Many of those folks who have had that modicum of success will never reach the 1D at those sorts of shows. They too, are probably at home tuning, conditioning and caring for their horses in every way imaginable. So, what is it then, that keeps them from attaining the upper level? This is where the difference between "wanting it" and "wanting it to happen" becomes imperative. By my definition, those who "want it" are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. Those who "want it to happen" want to do what they've been doing and get better.

When I am asked about lessons, the first thing that I tell folks is that I focus a TON on Horsemanship. Some people appreciate this. Other people say that they want to come to improve their barrel racing. The latter, I do not accept as students. Those who truly "want it" are willing to take the steps back and fill in the holes in their riding, even if that means not competing for a while. They understand that one need never go above a walk in order to correct a problem with their body position and are happy to feel that change in their body. If you truly "want it" you will be open to things that are totally foreign. You will carry yourself with humility into an educational setting.

The people who win are those who seek to improve at all times. The work is never ending. They focus on the basics of their riding every time they swing a leg over a horse. They take lessons and clinics, not because they are having a problem, but to prevent them. They watch training videos in other disciplines, applying what they can to their own riding. Maybe they take Dressage lessons to improve their balance and communication. Maybe they go to a Reining trainer. Whomever they seek for help, the point is that they do.

There are no limits to the things that can help us, as humans and our horses to improve! I know that if I don't get a massage at least once a week and do my yoga daily, my back and hips become very stiff. I cannot ride to the best of my ability without a supple back, thus I make sure and see that I take care of it. At times throughout my life, I have been known to go and see a sports psychologist. I have requested that students do everything from take modeling classes, do public speaking, take dance, what have you, if I feel that it will benefit their riding. Those who truly want to improve will not only participate in those activities, but see it as their job to do well at them.

It is frustrating to me to see someone doing the same thing over and over and continuing to expect a different result. Actually, that is the definition of insanity. Broaden your horizons, seek new tools and further your education. Don't be afraid to follow a foreign path to success. Remember, devoting hours simply isn't enough. Blood, sweat and tears will take you far, but combining those with humility, an eagerness to learn and an open mind will make you unbeatable.

Mzbradford - 2018-08-07 1:33 PM Bumping this post up because I really love it. Thank you WrapSnap

Southtxponygirl - 2018-08-07 2:03 PM


Yep, Andy is full of knowledge and very kind hearted, sure do miss him on here