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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
  
Location: MD | 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. |
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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
|  Thanks for sharing! |
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Location: Exactly where I am supposed to be | I screenshoted this, loved it so much !!!!! so well said and written, thank you so much. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
 
Location: Montana | |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | Well said! Are you still in TEXAS? |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | uno-dos-tres! - 2013-11-26 10:39 PM
Well said! Are you still in TEXAS?
I will be in Tyler, teaching a clinic the 18th and 19th of January. Until then, I am mainly on the East Coast. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 989
| Very well said! I used to want the 'tips' to improve my runs... but this year I focused on my riding and horsemanship. Connecting with my horse, and 'filling in the training holes' with myself, and then my horse. It worked wonders! We have a different relationship, and our outcome has shown huge leaps and bounds. You are right. People dont need barrel tips. They need horsemanship. If I need something to improve. I will look off the pattern first. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
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I LOVE this!! As someone who grew up in a discipline where we devoted countless HOURS to just horsemanship, and learned (was a groom for) some of the best dressage and Grand Prix jumper riders in the US, it baffles me that not everyone is devoted to the idea of REALLY learning the intricacies of being a real RIDER.
Also, working at an equine products manufacturing plant, it annoys me how many people want a bit or a saddle pad because (insert NFR winner's name here) rode THEIR horse to success with it. REALLY? From the problems people describe to me on the phone, they need to take BASIC lessons, NOT a new bit or cinch. Not to mention the countless hours of work, blood, sweat, and tears that the NFR caliber riders devote to LEARNING!
One of the most important lessons I learned, believe it or not, I learned from an Arabian pleasure trainer. She was the one who told me that you have to teach your horse to carry itself with collection instead of teaching him to wait for you to carry him the whole time. Didn't make sense to me at first...us English people can hold a horse in a frame like no one's business! But then it "clicked."
WrapSnap- I love this and I wish more people would approach horsemanship like this. |
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  Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576
Location: ND | As usual....so well said and so very true. I truly wish you got up this way, would love to ride with you. |
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 As Good As I Once Was
Posts: 1211
Location: frozen tundra of pa | How true it is! |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3310
Location: Jersey Girl | Love this! Another reason why I should just suck it up and take the 2 1/2 hr drive to take a lesson or 2 from you !!! |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | are you ever in the midwest?
I think you need to come down to Cloverdale for a clinic!
Thank you for posting this. You are an asset to this board |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | |
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 My Eating is Horrible
Posts: 1719
Location: GA |
I've never been to a clinic or had someone to critique my riding (aside from my momma) ... I know I have weak points that could be stronger. Hopefully I'll correct that in the future :)
(btw, it was awesome getting to meet you at World) |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7550
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Good info as usual. |
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 Best of the Badlands
Location: You never know where I will show up...... | Love it! Great post! |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Great observation and so true!! |
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 Dr. Ruth
Posts: 9891
Location: Blissfully happy Giants fan!!! | Man it is going to be so hard waiting for you to get here in two months!!!
This is awesome-I sent it over to the girl that rides with me and her mom. What a great reminder of what it takes to be a true champion. Your wisdom and guidance is so appreciated Andy!!!!
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 Swiffer PIcker Upper
Posts: 4015
Location: Four Corners Colorado | Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 980
Location: Southwest Minnesota | Great post! Thanks!! |
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Folks on-line