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Veteran
Posts: 103
| Anyone Have To Quit Barrel Racing Due To Health Reasons?
How do you cope?
I've been dealing with some health issues and was recently told by my doctor that he doesn't want me to compete for a minimum of 6 months and possibly up to 2 years. I can ride - just not compete.
Of course I have the best barrel horse I've had in a long time right now. I don't know whether to sell her or keep her as she is too nice to just stand around and wait for me. Unfortunately she is a "busy minded" kind of horse and if she's not being worked regularly she finds a way to keep herself busy - which usually means she gets herself into trouble and gets hurt. Been there, done that.
I know the doctor is right, but I am so bummed........
Edited by BrightEyes 2017-07-11 11:48 AM
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
  
Location: Got Lobsta? | That is a huge decision to make. Depending on how much you love your hobbies, I would get a second opinion. Life is short, medicine advances. I was told I couldn't have children because of my illness 20 years ago, now advances in medicine AND knowlege says I could have had children, something I missed out on. Good luck!
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Addicted to Baseball
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright, TX | I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. But your horse doesn't care if she's a barrel horse or a trail horse. If she's a nice riding horse, keep her and keep some level of riding fit and confidence in just pleasure riding her. |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | Just keep her for trail riding. She and you will stay in better shape even if you just go trail riding a little bit.. She will not forget what her job is. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| What if the doctor gives you the ok to start competing again in 6 months but you sold her? I agree with the others, don't sell her, just kept in shape until you can run her again. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | First, sorry to hear the news! It was 'suggested' to me by my physical therapist to cut back, but I haven't. I did talk to the doctor and he said as long as I feel okay to keep going. As of now I feel great, but really makes you think how limited our runs can be! I would keep your horse, that time is going to fly by! |
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Member
Posts: 36
| DON'T SELL YOUR HORSE!!!! I am in the same boat, and just now getting to shore, so to speak. Not ordered by doctor, but my severe allergies have been holding me back for several years. I couldn't even get out of the house for awhile. If you can still ride, do so. You and your horse will be ready to go again in six months or so, and it will go by fast. Hang tough, cowgirl.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 878
Location: "...way down south in the Everglades..." | So sorry you are having health issues. A lot of us have been in and out of the saddle between health and/or injuries. I certainly wouldn't sell her just because you have to stop competing for a while. I'd at least wait the six months and see where you are at. The fact that you can ride is wonderful. I've had to stop riding all together in the past for roughly 8 months and then still couldn't compete for another year. The break actually seemed to do them all good and I had no problems getting them back in the groove. Good luck and hang in there! |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | Yes, I was told in 1978 not to ride anymore but I ignored the doctors and had a wonderful rodeo career. But about 6 years ago there was no way to go on, so after I got out of the hospital I quit. Took me 3 years to start selling things off but I have finally sold everything including saddles, tack and trailer. It really hurt but had to be done. Still have the truck and horse but he is happy to be a retired lawn mower.
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Member
Posts: 26
| HI I had to quit beause of a illness can't be around dust anymore and the heat!!! It takes some time to get use to not having a horse or barrel racing!!! But there are lots of other things to do!!!! Remember your health is very important so try to take care of your self!!!! |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| One idea for you to stay connected is to join one of your local associations and help them put on the show!
Three years ago I had to give up horses all together due to some life changes, but I was able to involve myself in one way or another by helping out.
And trust me, someone always needs a barrel setter. |
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4624
Location: Texas | Just keep riding, and know that you will be able to compete again. I haven't been able to barrel race or ride for the past five years while being in the military so I know your pain. Just hang in there. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | BarrelRacing4Christ - 2017-07-11 9:21 PM
Just keep riding, and know that you will be able to compete again. I haven't been able to barrel race or ride for the past five years while being in the military so I know your pain. Just hang in there.
Not stealing the thread, just wanted to say thank you for your service
And to the OP, I say keep your mare until you can race again; I think you'll regret it if you sell her. Hugs to you
Edited by Chandler's Mom 2017-07-11 9:47 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 2258
| Well mine isn't really a health issue but I was having issues with my shoulders, then my husband got hurt at work which meant I had to start doing even more heavy lifting. I ended up tearing my bicep tendon on the front and back on my shoulder. I was pretty useless and could not ride, I happen to have a nice 6 yr old mare that I was very excited to run. I was suppose to keep my arm immobilized for 2 to 3 months but just couldn't due to being the only one who could do any work. At any rate I had my neighbor girl come over and give her a try they are working out really well, I can now ride a little and was sneaking rides along the way if I could get someone to saddle for me. I am having almost as much fun watching my horse and her new little jockey as I would if I was doing it. I would keep your horse if you can. Hope you get all healthy and back to competing . |
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 Having Smokin Bandits
Posts: 4572
Location: Woodstown, NJ | I finally got everything you could dream of needing for barrel racing--the farm, the fancy trailer, the horses, all the equipment... and then I fell off and broke my back. I haven't been able to ride in four years. I've finally resigned myself to the fact that I probably won't be able to barrel race again. I may not even be able to lope. My back can't take ANY jerking. If I am lucky, I may be able to get on and just walk around. My life would be a lot easier if I didn't have all these things to pay for that I just listed--the acreage, the trailer payment, the horse shoes, etc. But I'm not doing it just to barrel race. I love these horses. Even if it turns out I can only look at them, I am keeping them. I guess you have to ask yourself what you love. |
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Veteran
Posts: 103
| Anyone else? |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3310
Location: Jersey Girl | BrightEyes - 2017-07-11 2:25 AM Anyone Have To Quit Barrel Racing Due To Health Reasons? How do you cope? I've been dealing with some health issues and was recently told by my doctor that he doesn't want me to compete for a minimum of 6 months and possibly up to 2 years. I can ride - just not compete. Of course I have the best barrel horse I've had in a long time right now. I don't know whether to sell her or keep her as she is too nice to just stand around and wait for me. Unfortunately she is a "busy minded" kind of horse and if she's not being worked regularly she finds a way to keep herself busy - which usually means she gets herself into trouble and gets hurt. Been there, done that. I know the doctor is right, but I am so bummed........ I am just getting back in to riding after not being able to ride or most days take care of my horses for almost 18 months.
I actually sold my barrel horse because I had been struggling to click with him prior to my health issues. What helped me get thru it is going to barrel races and just being in that environment. Yes I was angry for a long while and also had bouts of depression. Once I accepted my situation it became much easier to deal with. If your barrel horse is your absolute dream horse then keep her. Its ok for her to stand around and wait for you until you are able to compete again. Honestly I decided I would never get rid of my horses even if I couldn't ride (let alone barrel racing). They do give me a lot of joy and I just enjoy being around them.
edited to add-after my initial diagnosis I was advised it would eventually be ok for me to ride but not to EVER gallop again. It was very devastating considering I lived, slept and ate barrel racing Lol. I ended up having surgery that fixed the issue and now I am able to begin the road back to racing again on a new horse that isn't patterned yet but just what I need.
Edited by fulltiltfilly 2017-07-13 9:21 AM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | I am right there with you. I still looking for the happy middle. I can ride and show but it is getting physically very hard. I have lost a great deal of muscle and balance. I am finding other ways to keep me busy with them but it is hard.
I would not sell my horses. They are my way of coping with the issues and give me a reason to go out to the barn daily. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | In a way I did quit because of my health. 3 specialists can't figure out what's going on with my back, all 3 said i shouldn't be in pain. Yet my pain was so severe it made me exhausted to the point I would actually randomly pass out and every minute I struggled to stay awake. I didn't have a social life, I quit riding because that made it even worse.my life was just pain and severe fatigue.
Starting taking CBD oil and I have my life back. I'm still in pain and my fatigue levels still flare up but I'm back to riding.actually hit a few barrel races. However barrel racing and tuning on my colt for it would raise my pain and fatigue level. All I did was fight with my gelding. Couldn't figure out the issue. A friend convinced me to take him over a few low cross rails and he perked up. So we tacked up english and started working on that. My horse is happier and the jumping actually doesn't raise my pain or fatigue levels. Now my horse leaning on me and expecting me to hold him up does but he's getting better about not doing that. Lol |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12837
| Years ago we had the best NBHA. Before every barrel race we had a religious based motivational speaker. One time a young calf roper spoke. Will cut to the chase. He had to quit roping because of some health problem. He said he did not know yet what God's plan was but he knew it was in place. He knew there were many other things he could do with horses and he was going to move on. No regrets.
I broke my shoulder several years ago and the doctor said stay off the horse or I would have to have surgery. I did exactly what he said and I am better than I was before. Everyday you get to ride is a gift from God. That is why it is called the present. |
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