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Mrs. Troy
  
Location: western Nebraska | The post on the clinic for women over 40 got me thinking. I would like to hear how some of you 45 and up feel your barrel racing has changed.
For me -I am heavier than I was-my balance isn't as good and I hurt all over. I know I am not as competive as I used to be-I think I have really nice horses but I haven't actually kicked or even thought about running hard to the first barrel for years now. I seem to be more interested in making a nice smooth run -a confidence builder-for my horses. I used to really not like the 4ds-now I love them. I fit in.
It is funny when the younger girls look at me -I know they are thinking-why is she still here! Or yea, more added money. I know that the older you get the better horse you need to be competive. I used to be able to win on about anything-I thought I could so I did. Now -I am just not sure anymore.
Anyway I would love to hear you all's thoughts on this.
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
 
Location: Texas | Well I am 19 but I can say Just because someone is over 45 I would still be scared they could outrun me lol now 60+ is when I think it really slows down for most people. I think alot of women going to the NFR this year are over 40. Anyways I say go until you can't anymore! Who cares if you even get a 5D check, you've worked your whole life most likely to get to do this, go out and ENJOY it!  |
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  Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | I am totally strugging with this. Will be 45 next month. Still have horses but have barely ridden in the last 8 years, but prior to that I rode since I was a kid. Bought a new guy who has 6 months cutting training, ready to be started on barrels and guess what? I'm not!! Apparently my sense if balance and confidence went poof while I was off. Now starting lessons twice a week on a dressage horse just to get my balance and confidence back. On top of that I'm thinking the same things you are as I have aches and pains and not as much energy as I used to. Wondering when I get back in riding shape if I I'll be able to keep it all together with a full-time job and wonder if I'll be as competitive as I was. Old age sucks, but I'm determined not to let it get me down! |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7550
Location: In The Land of Cotton | doglady - 2014-11-17 3:28 PM The post on the clinic for women over 40 got me thinking. I would like to hear how some of you 45 and up feel your barrel racing has changed.
For me -I am heavier than I was-my balance isn't as good and I hurt all over. I know I am not as competive as I used to be-I think I have really nice horses but I haven't actually kicked or even thought about running hard to the first barrel for years now. I seem to be more interested in making a nice smooth run -a confidence builder-for my horses. I used to really not like the 4ds-now I love them. I fit in.
It is funny when the younger girls look at me -I know they are thinking-why is she still here! Or yea, more added money. I know that the older you get the better horse you need to be competive. I used to be able to win on about anything-I thought I could so I did. Now -I am just not sure anymore.
Anyway I would love to hear you all's thoughts on this.
Well, I watched your videos from this past week. If you are chunky - then I must be fat! LOL
However, look at this way - at least we still get to go and have fun. You usually don't have to worry as much about the ground as you did when you fully rodeoed. And, money is money - no matter whether it comes from a 4D or not. ANd the younger girls, well, they are probably wishing you had stayed home. Because if you weren't any good at our age - you probably wouldn't be there. |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | I was down to three horses-a really good one, a rehab, and a 5 year old. The 5 year old bucked me off -a year ago last May. I sold the really nice one to pay the hospital bills and the 5 year old at killer price back to the girl I bought him from. I was riding the recliner for months watching videos of horses for sale. I just kind of gathered up some more projects. And I keep gathering. Now I have 10 head. Probably some of the nicest horses I have ever owned-or will be one of these days. But -like today- it is 20 degrees and windy so I am in the house beading. It is supposed to be in the 40's starting tomorrow so I am going to get back out riding. In the old days I would have been out riding no matter how cold. I have definately started feeling the cold!
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | I'm not quite 40 yet, but, I've come to a conclusion, I'm the nicest "wanna be" I know :) I've never won much of anything, yet I still keep going. The last buckle I won (I know some people have never won a buckle) was in 1992.......
I'm fat, out of shape, have more money now than I've ever had, which means I have bought/made a couple nice horses and still really can't win ANYTHING :)
Generally I hurt for 3 days after a double header race-which you would think it would motivate me to get in better shape....nah....
My good horse is in my daughters hands and really he probably is too much horse for her, but how is she ever going to learn OR break my cycle of being the big loser??
Listened to a couple of gal pals, talk some smack about the 12 year olds that need some horsemanship lessons....I long for the day I could ride (and stay on) with my rear a foot above the saddle, whipping and spurring....hahaha, does it make it wrong that I ride better now and can't win a damn thing or was it better when I didn't ride worth a crap but would clean up regularly??
Most people judge you as a winner OR if you're nice, so I'm shooting for the nicest loser that is almost 40!!
It sucks BUT, time is flying by and if I don't do this now, I don't know how much longer I will be able to keep going.
Besides, I've seen your name in the results (riding 2 horses apparantly) and you've won some pretty good money this fall, keep on keepin on! You don't seem to be slowing down too much! I would think that sometimes riding smarter beats youth any day :)
I'm not really sure what the point is of all my rambling, but not sure what the point is to your post either...... |
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 Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530
Location: OH | I am in the age you are talking about and any more I am always riding young ones and really just competing against myself. Trying to make a little bit better run each time, I have no huge illusions of trying to be a 1D rider, those days are pretty much past me by I believe. I just try and do a little better and have fun and pass the same thing on to my two sons. |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | Thanks but watching those videos is what got me thinking. I just coasted along. 15 or 20 years ago I would have started out in the 1d or 2d on those colts. Now I am happy just coasting along in the 3d. |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | I guess I don't really have a point-just wondering how everyone else feels about getting older and still going. I have some nice young horses and have been getting inquiries about selling them. Now I just say =No, not for sale-I am training grandkid horses. I can not believe I am saying that but I can hardly wait for the next step! |
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 Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | Great topic Doglady. I am in my late 40's and I think my mind "KNOWS" I can do it but my body says, "WHAT?" I get sore a lot easier and I am not as daring but I truly love the competition that I set in my own head. I'll never win a (big, especially)barrel race in Texas and I am just fine with that but I like to set goals against the faster runs in the pen. I run a mare that lands in the bottom of the 2D and places in the 3D and I am really proud at where we have come over the years. I just ran my younger Perks Alive mare this weekend and she was solidly in the 3D on Sat at the Elite. I'm very happy how 4 of my 6 runs turned out.
I think age just causes a person to set their goals differently. I knew a young girl that won the 2D saddle at a WBR several years ago and she was embarrassed...heck, at my age I would be super proud of that but I understand her feelings.
There are tons of ladies around my area that are well over 45 and they kick butts and take names around here. Martha Wright is one lady that I REALLY admire and she's over 45!  |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | doglady - 2014-11-17 2:47 PM I guess I don't really have a point-just wondering how everyone else feels about getting older and still going. I have some nice young horses and have been getting inquiries about selling them. Now I just say =No, not for sale-I am training grandkid horses. I can not believe I am saying that but I can hardly wait for the next step!
I think there is something to be said about the training horses, was just thinking this morning what my daughter would say if I wanted to take my good horse back for a spin or two through the pattern at the next race. Part of me thinks I could probably win it and part of me just shrugs and keeps hoping she will have the "want to" fire burning within her, I think of myself at that age (she's 12) and would have died to have a horse of this caliber to ride-so I guess, I'm riding vicariously through her.
Coasting is what I do too, the big beast I'm riding now, is just crap slap happy to coast and it's A LOT of work getting him to do more than just coast :)
I know the day is coming that I will go without a horse but I don't want that to be until after I can enter the Sr. races....dangit! |
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| Love this topic!!
I'm 38 and I have many of the same issues you mention (probably more)!
I waited until my 30's to have kids and it has affected me mentally and physically. My body is out of shape and my balance is completely out of whack from two c-sections and a hip surgery. Plus, I fear for an injury that would leave my precious kiddos without a mom (or even a disabled one).
I bought a nice started mare last year, but only kept her one year because I had no confidence in my ability to compete on her. She sold to a youth and they are doing great together!
Getting old sucks, but I've decided it's more about having fun! I decided with my last mount that I enjoy the training aspect rather than the competitive aspect. I LOVE putting time on a horse and seeing them develop! If I can compete in the future, then I will. But if not, then I vow to be satisfied with what God has given me and my abilities! |
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| I'm 55 and have a blast! Not anywhere near ready to give it up! I run consistent 2D/3D and that's ok with me! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 407
| Are you kidding me? 45 isn't even old yet. I am over 50 and I go every weekend just about. I can't wait for the the next race. It all depends on what your competitive spirit is. I race with a 80yr old man that can still whip just about anyone. You are only as old as you feel. |
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5408
| Funny you say that about the first barrel! I haven't had a horse I felt like I could really run to the first in like forever(at least in my mind). I haven't been running much since I have been roping with my husband and having a ball. Last summer my first run I thought I was really running until I watched the video, no wonder I hit two and tipped the first. lol Anyway I decided that this horse wouldn't run by a barrel so on my next run I went hell bent to the first, It was so FUN. I should have sit a strid sooner and he would have inhaled it instead got by it just a tad. It is sad that I have the nicest horse I have had in years and don't care if I go to a barrel race or not. Those were the only two runs I made last year and only 6 the year before. I am keeping him for my grand daughter that is only two now that way I know what I've got when it is time for her to ride. |
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 MEOW!
Posts: 4477
Location: High heels in the air... | I'm the opposite..I'm over 50 and can't wait until I RETIRE from my full time job just to ride horses all day. June Holeman is one of my idols!!! Never say never...that one of a kind winner could be next!!! |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I am only 25 but I can tell you that wanting a nice pattern, solid, consistent pattern is always on my priority list. I would rather have a nice solid 3D run than a super fast, kinda sloppy 2D run.
But heck, most of our competitive ladies and gents around here are 40+ and don't see that changing anytime soon. |
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| I am not sure what I will feel like when I am over 45. I am 34 and have had 1 child. Like another person said, it has affected my balance and confidence. I am slowly getting it back though. I bought a 20 year old mare who still runs in the 1D. She was a huge confidence builder for me. I would love to have a young horse to work on during the winter....anyway I hope I still want to race in 10 years...I just keep seeing June and think...man I want to be like her...I just better keep my butt in shape! I know I am rambling but I think if I had a couple nice solid horses when I am that age I think it would help me to keep going...
Edited by newracer 2014-11-17 4:24 PM
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24953
Location: WYOMING | Im 50. I weigh less now than I ever have but I worked my butt off literally the past 2 yrs to get there. I still feel competitive but have only had colts the past 3 yrs, I woke up last week and freaked out that I was running oit of time to haul and be competitive so I traded my nice colt for a nice older prospect and will start hauling next year. I see my want to going away though so I dont know how long or much I will really go but we will see... I think Ive got another 5 or so urs in me before I slow down to lope. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1552
Location: Texas | I am 54, chunky, and suffer from Fybromyalgia. All the aches and pains from years of injuries and accidents. I have a nice little mare that I am really enjoying running, hits solid 3-4, sometimes higher. I am really enjoying going and have let go of the need to be a "Top Dog". I have stepped up to another horse I own that my son trained and have really had to work at riding him! I hurt alot but am afraid that if I don't keep going I won't stay well enough to do it anymore. Look at Ardith, she is just now retiring at age 84? Enjoy it at what ever level YOU want! I felt like since I use to be a tough contender, that I always needed to stay on that level....Not anymore and I am way happy!!! |
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