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 Expert
Posts: 1612
  
Location: Cocoa, Florida | Or am I to big for my horse?
I've started from the bottom, and I mean bottom, green horses, green barrel racer, and I've made my way up! I'm not trying to be a pro rodeo barrel racer, but I've been stuck in the 3D cracks for a long while. I know I'm only as good as my riding ability which can always be improved upon (I rode 5-7 days a week several horses) but I'm also a heavier rider and I run a smaller mare. I trained and seasoned this mare, she is more front Endy then other horses I've had too, She tries soooo hard but we just can't clock! I run 1 second off mostly everywhere we go, what do I need to do to get to the next step? (Besides loose weight that's obvious) I honestly feel like I need a bigger horse that can hold my weight better?
I rode a very nice 16 hand horse the horse day that had a huge stride and a lot more power, I as a little intimidated but I rode him well and could feel how much faster he was then my horse, so I'm wondering if it's time to sell and move up?
My mare is so consistent and fun to run though, I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard spot. I'll post a video but please don't be to mean (lol) I know I can improve my sitting (I bought a Tammy Fischer this weekend also) but do you guys think I'm to big for my horse or she's just tapped out?
Ps- I feel like I sit and ride quieter in the treeless saddle now.
This was this past weekend
https://youtu.be/ADJMjDbDGUg
Edited by RnRJack 2016-11-30 6:56 PM
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 Blond Bombshell..
Posts: 6628
 
Location: Hill Country of TEXAS!! | I think you sat her well your whole run (good job btw). If you feel like you're ready to move up and you already stayed with a more powerful, larger horse then Id say go for it. :)
Edited by Dash4KJ 2016-11-30 7:05 PM
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Dash4KJ - 2016-11-30 7:02 PM
I think you sat her well your whole run (good job btw). If you feel like you're ready to move up and you already stayed with a more powerful, larger horse then Id say go for it. :)
Agreed!  |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| I think overall it looked like a very nice smooth run.
I think if you can be as aggressive coming off 1st and 2nd and you were off third you can shave a little more time - 1st especially it looks like you just kind of let her finish at her own pace instead of hussling her around and out. A clinic with Chris Martin really helped me figure out how to make my front endy one not so front endy (I'm tall and he's little, it's a LOT better feeling when the front end doesn't drop out from under you!)
But not all horses are destined to be 1D horses. This mare looks to b pretty nice and sounds consistent, if a youth could handle her I don't think you'd struggle to move her, and be proud of the horse you brought along bringing someone else along! I sold one this summer that I had a ball with but he wasn't going to deliver my dreams - it is so cool watching him run with his new people though and being proud of what I accomplished with him.
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | OhMax - 2016-11-30 7:17 PM
I think overall it looked like a very nice smooth run.
I think if you can be as aggressive coming off 1st and 2nd and you were off third you can shave a little more time - 1st especially it looks like you just kind of let her finish at her own pace instead of hussling her around and out. A clinic with Chris Martin really helped me figure out how to make my front endy one not so front endy (I'm tall and he's little, it's a LOT better feeling when the front end doesn't drop out from under you!)
But not all horses are destined to be 1D horses. This mare looks to b pretty nice and sounds consistent, if a youth could handle her I don't think you'd struggle to move her, and be proud of the horse you brought along bringing someone else along! I sold one this summer that I had a ball with but he wasn't going to deliver my dreams - it is so cool watching him run with his new people though and being proud of what I accomplished with him.
I have 4 running right now that I sold to youth and novice riders, one just entered the turkey run in Florida and ran her first big show And her times weren't far off of mine last year! The 10 year old who bought one of my very first barrel horses runs him in the 2D which just makes my heart melt! I get pure pleasure from letting them go, I hate to see one get passed around after I put all my hard work into them but so far I've Been lucky.
I bought this mare a year and a half ago as a back up horse and she's turned out to be a phenomenal little mare, she's so fun and consistent but it's not where I want to be right now. I've had to slowly work my way up, and I'm hoping I can buy a nicer prospect that can get me where I want to be. I don't have a 1D budget so I can't go buy or even ride a finished horse, I have to try to make one myself but at least I know what I'm looking for now. |
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | Good job. |
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Regular
Posts: 62
| RnRJack - 2016-11-30 6:54 PM
Or am I to big for my horse?
I've started from the bottom, and I mean bottom, green horses, green barrel racer, and I've made my way up! I'm not trying to be a pro rodeo barrel racer, but I've been stuck in the 3D cracks for a long while. I know I'm only as good as my riding ability which can always be improved upon (I rode 5-7 days a week several horses ) but I'm also a heavier rider and I run a smaller mare. I trained and seasoned this mare, she is more front Endy then other horses I've had too, She tries soooo hard but we just can't clock! I run 1 second off mostly everywhere we go, what do I need to do to get to the next step? (Besides loose weight that's obvious ) I honestly feel like I need a bigger horse that can hold my weight better?
I rode a very nice 16 hand horse the horse day that had a huge stride and a lot more power, I as a little intimidated but I rode him well and could feel how much faster he was then my horse, so I'm wondering if it's time to sell and move up?
My mare is so consistent and fun to run though, I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard spot. I'll post a video but please don't be to mean (lol ) I know I can improve my sitting (I bought a Tammy Fischer this weekend also ) but do you guys think I'm to big for my horse or she's just tapped out?
Ps- I feel like I sit and ride quieter in the treeless saddle now.
This was this past weekend
https://youtu.be/ADJMjDbDGUg
Great riding! You rode the snot out of that mare and let her work. Honestly, could you run two? Get a bigger prospect maybe and still haul the mare. I haul multiple horses and sometimes it is nice to have ole faithful in the trailer just to get through some slumps. She is a super nice mare and no you aren't too big for her. |
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Veteran
Posts: 194
Location: OKLAHOMA | I completely understand you thoughts on being to big for a particular horse. I have an awesome mare that is about 900lbs. She has always been cat quick and gritty... I have owned her for 19 yrs. I have gained weight and felt like i was bogging her down shared her with a few smaller gals and i think it made a differnce for my mare. I continued to share her till this summer she is 26. I have ridden a big guy, about 1300lbs that was a power house he had no problem with my weight. The mare I ride now is about 1150 she seems to handle it ok. I hinder myself somewhat and am working on loosing several pounds and getting my core stronger again. Shoulder surgery kicked my but. Not sure this helps but at least it is an outsider who understands. Good luck.... |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| I think you're a great rider. If you're feeling insecure, start Couch25K. As a bigger rider myself, I was shocked at how much core and leg strength I gained on the program. It's totally doable, and man did I see an improvement in my riding. My horses clock better when I'm strong, not skinny.
I treasure running my big horse, because he doesn't care if Mama eats bread and cookies and can't run across the parking lot. My little mare cares, and she cares that I can run a mile without stopping. The difference in her runs is night and day whether I'm fit or not. |
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | I don't know if I'd be brave enough to past my video here, CONGRATS!! Your mare wants to work and I agree with those that said you ride her well.
Here's a different perspective to consider. Maybe you're overthinking things. Is your mind creating thoughts that are setting a barrier to your dreams? It sounds like you're working hard at your dreams, don't let your perception of success make you feel inferior! Everyone who has ever barrel raced has come to a point where they need to step up and change something- whether it's the horse, the equipment, their personal skills, etc...
I'd get the high-powered big prospect and run 2, like someone else already mentioned. Different styles of horses will really open your mind and hone your skills. If you think you need to make some physical changes in yourself, do it! Just start with baby steps that are easy to incorporate in your lifestyle.
Most importantly, get rid of the self-doubt. Your dreams are never too big for your talent. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard! Read "The Mind Gym." Watch Rocky movies. Build yourself up! Ride with people who you admire. Ask those people for help and advice... but don't ask just any "Betty Barrel Racer," or you'll find your head spinning as you sort the useful stuff out of the bull$h!t. Be confident, you can do whatever you set your mind on!
(Carry on while I work on listening to my own words of wisdom! HAHAHA)
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 Go Your Own Way
Posts: 4947
Location: SE KS | you ride her very well...... ride two - believe you can handle it....
awesome job of riding girl......
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 788
| I think you are doing great! There is no such thing as dreams too big for talent. I had the same problem a few years ago. I had an awesome horse but was stuck in the 3d rut and he was only 14.1. So I upgraded. I actually got extremely lucky and traded him for a really nice already started almost 16 hand horse that taught me a lot. I can tell you ride really quietly, which is awesome. If you do decide to get another horse, something else to consider is a clinic with a trainer that you like. When I got my more powerful horse, I figured out that I needed a little more fine tuning on my riding because a second faster doesn't sound like much, but believe me, a lot goes on in that second. And learning something new or different is always a good thing. Good luck!! Never Give up! |
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 BHW New Catch of the Day
Posts: 9884
Location: Missouri | "What if I fall? Oh but darling what if you fly?" |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | I thought you rode the mare well and didn't see very much room for improvement. Now does that mean if you throw a kid on her that weighs 90# she won't move up a D? Maybe, maybe not. It does happen a lot though! Those tiny kids can get a lot out of nice automatic horses that just need to take someone along for the ride.
If buying a new prospect and continuing to run her until you get the new one going is not an option, then I would not be scared to sell her to get something with the potential to be what you want. I think it's great that you are willing to let go of your comfort zone for the sake of improvement. That's the only way we get better! |
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | Thank you everyone for the kind remarks I was a little scared to post this but I thought I needed outside opinions of people who don't know me and surly won't sugarcoat anything lol! Unfortunately I live in town and just bought a house with no land so I'm boarding her at a local stable, I can afford two but it's a lot for Me right now, I'd rather have one and put every last penny into it. As much as I would LOVE to keep her as a backup I can't, she is zero maintenance and an easy keeper so it's gonna be hard to find one that is like her but better!
I'm hoping a Jr rodeo or youth rider will buy her because I love seeing the kids outrun me on my own horses.
Well I guess the search will be on then, I actually prefer to pattern them myself but at this busy point in my life id take one already started that had more potential. And hey, if I get my butt handed to me on a faster one then well.....I can't say I didn't try!
Thanks for all the support! |
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | BamaCanChaser - 2016-12-01 3:48 PM
I thought you rode the mare well and didn't see very much room for improvement. Now does that mean if you throw a kid on her that weighs 90# she won't move up a D? Maybe, maybe not. It does happen a lot though! Those tiny kids can get a lot out of nice automatic horses that just need to take someone along for the ride.
If buying a new prospect and continuing to run her until you get the new one going is not an option, then I would not be scared to sell her to get something with the potential to be what you want. I think it's great that you are willing to let go of your comfort zone for the sake of improvement. That's the only way we get better!
I sold a solid 3/4 D gelding 2 years ago to a 9 year old, she ran in the 2D at youth world last year and 2D money at a big national show as well, it made me so happy and proud though! |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | First off, if a kid can get that out of your horse she is worth plenty of money. Second, how much do the guys who win futuries weight? And third, yes you should get a bigger and faster horse, you can ride. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I think that horse is tapped out. It doesn't look like the horse has the stride to be a 1d horse. |
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | cheryl makofka - 2016-12-01 6:39 PM
I think that horse is tapped out. It doesn't look like the horse has the stride to be a 1d horse.
I agree Cheryl, I ask her for a lot, I could be a little more with her in her turns and I could push harder or use a crop but he honestly tries sooooo hard, she has a big heart and she's giving me her all in each run! |
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | Vickie - 2016-12-01 6:34 PM
First off, if a kid can get that out of your horse she is worth plenty of money. Second, how much do the guys who win futuries weight? And third, yes you should get a bigger and faster horse, you can ride.
Thank you |
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