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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 408
| OI have been running barrels since April. My runs are getting faster but not fast enough. My husband says i shouldn't go to races until I can run better at home.... I really want to go to races as the adrenaline level is higher and it seems i push myself more but i don't want to waste money either....what are your thoughts? |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
 
Location: Southeast Louisiana | That's a very short time to expect to get together with one. Is your horse a finished, seasoned barrel horse? Are you working with a trainer?
Also, I disagree with being fast at home before you haul to a barrel race. Exhibitions are an important part of getting together wih one. You can't duplicate that kind of environment at home. |
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 No Tune in a Bucket
Posts: 2935
 
Location: Texas | If you can have the barrel race at your house, then your husband's theory might work. Go to 3 or 4D barrel races to get experience and still have a chance to get your money back. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| Agreed with the other posters. You can run flawless patterns at home and it will fall apart at shows if you never enter because you cant create that same atmosphere.
Dont put so much pressure on yourself and tell hubby to lay off lol.... you're just getting going and its gonna take time/ |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 408
| My horse is a finished horse...he knows his job and he's very safe and forgiving. I'm getting help from friends but at this time, I'm not working with a trainer but I'm searching for one. |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | If you're concerned about entry fees, just go and do a couple of exhibitions. Once you're more comfortable, then start entering. You may not be as fast as you want at first, but the more you enter, the more comfortable you'll get. There's only so much riding you can do at home before you just need to get out and see what you can do :) |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399
| Him judging your run at home is nothing compared to an actual barrel race. I always find it hard to judge how a horse is working until they get next to a clock. I had a gelding who was one of those that never looked like he was actually running when he got to a barrel race he was actually at the top of the 2d. I was very surprised to say the least because it literally felt like he was loping through all the time. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | While I agree that you should go and do some exhibitions and accquaint you and your horse with the environment, I can do that all day long and make perfectly patterned runs and get asked "why are you not entering?". I can do just fine until it's actually time to really make things count... and then I lose all my marbles. Of course, not everyone falters under pressure like I do... but it's something that I can't overcome without actually paying the entry fee and sucking it up.
Exhibitons just don't get my adrenaline going. I think you just gotta pay the entry fee and see how you do... even if you don't have the most perfect run there are still those other Ds to hit and you might get lucky and pull a check! My first (and only so far, lol) check with my new horse was in the 4D and it was by far the worst run we've had, just got lucky!!
If you do go and only run exhibitions I'd suggest getting some after the race if at all possible... sometimes the patterns are set different for before exhibitions. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 408
| I know I might make some of you roll on the floor laughing at me but my fastest time since I started in april is 20 second...a total embarrassment :-( |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | love2ridepre - 2014-07-23 10:36 AM
I know I might make some of you roll on the floor laughing at me but my fastest time since I started in april is 20 second...a total embarrassment :-(
You JUST started! Don't be embarrassed, at least you're out there doing it! Faster times will come as you get more comfortable and confident. Just keep at it!  |
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 Veteran
Posts: 212
| Dont be embarassed... I have won national titles and placed in the 1d at world and that horse is hurt.. I have been riding a project horse and am running 20's myself LOL and ive been running barrels for 8 years! Nothing to be embarrassed of at all :) Just do your best until your best gets better! |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | love2ridepre - 2014-07-23 11:36 AM
I know I might make some of you roll on the floor laughing at me but my fastest time since I started in april is 20 second...a total embarrassment :-(
What size pattern are you running? Is this just a barrel pattern you set up at your house? Don't worry about it. 4D money spends just as good as 1D money!! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 520
| I don't think it would be a waste of money to meet some new people and maybe get some tips to improve your run. Just go and have fun! |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Tell you hubby to butt out. |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | Gunner11 - 2014-07-23 11:18 AM
love2ridepre - 2014-07-23 10:36 AM
I know I might make some of you roll on the floor laughing at me but my fastest time since I started in april is 20 second...a total embarrassment :-(
You JUST started! Don't be embarrassed, at least you're out there doing it! Faster times will come as you get more comfortable and confident. Just keep at it!
I agree.
Never be embarassed because you didn't do well, that's how you learn.
Make friends at the barrel race, they will most likely be glad to give you some helpful suggestions.
Also, running a finished horse repeatedly at home can sour one. Not saying that's what you're doing, just be careful of that. If he's finished and seasoned, he will probably perform much better when you warm him up and make one run at a barrel race, like he's used to. |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
Location: Pacific Northwest | Don't be embarrassed. If you want to enter, enter. Most races have a novice class.
For what it's worth, my horse is usually in the 2D and I rarely actually get a check. So I waste a lot of money even though my horse is "fast" lol. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| love2ridepre - 2014-07-23 8:36 AM
I know I might make some of you roll on the floor laughing at me but my fastest time since I started in april is 20 second...a total embarrassment :-(
not embarrassing...I have been running for a year and a half and my best time so far was a 17.89. We usually run in the 19 second range. It's FINE. You are new to this sport, even if you have ridden your whole life and kicked butt at some other event...that means nothing in barrel racing as I have found out first hand. LOL
You have to walk before you can run, and run before you can fly. The best thing to do is throw that entry money away and learn how to run in competition...while you or I might think we suck, you still have to get out there and DO it to get any better. I agree with the others, being at home or in exhibitions is COMPLETELY different than making an actual run. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | I have been trying to get back into barrel racing and the road has been filled with so many obstacles! The best thing that has helped me to gain confidence and get better is to go-go-go to every race you can. I run in a small local saddle club and the entry fees are $3 - I was so excited that I actually won my class last weekend even though there aren't many people and it isn't all that competitive.
Set some attainable goals for yourself - not unreachable goals that will leave you frustrated. My "big" goal that I have set for myself is to win a buckle. May not seem like much to some but it would be a big accomplishment for me. I also try to set small goals like to improve my time each race even if just by a little or lately my goal has been to have a clean run since we were having some issues hitting barrels.
My husband (never ridden in his life) is very supportive but he also doesn't understand why I don't push my horse. He doesn't get that it takes awhile to gain that trust. Every time we make what I feel is a good run he wonders why I didn't go faster. It will all come together in time and meanwhile I am having a blast running again!
Edited by turtleaut 2014-07-23 5:17 PM
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Have your honey video you and if you can watch it in slow motion. This will let you see your mistakes and things you need to change. It one thing for someone to tell you what you did wrong and its another for you to see for yourself. remember your cue and when you need to execute them and will all fall into place.. Keep entering and good luck. |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | love2ridepre - 2014-07-23 8:54 AM
My horse is a finished horse...he knows his job and he's very safe and forgiving. I'm getting help from friends but at this time, I'm not working with a trainer but I'm searching for one.
Oh, also.... who'd you get your horse from? Maybe you can call them up and go ride at their place.
Most people will be glad to show you what was working for them. I'm sure the seller wants to see their old horse doing well with the new owner.
e.t.a.
Sorry, didn't mean to actually inquire who the previous owner was. Should have just said, call up the person you got your horse from and ask if they have any pointers.
Edited by Nita 2014-07-23 9:08 PM
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