|
|
 Veteran
Posts: 214
|
There has to be some secret I am missing on the mental side. I can visualize how I need to ride, what I need to do and when... but its a 50/50 shot once I start through the gate on if I can execute on ONE barrel let alone THREE..... Any suggestions??
I think I can include some links to some runs. My horse is nice despite my poor driving. He is talented and forgiving (thank goodness)! I could hug the people who had a hand in making him into the solid horse he is.... if he wasn't so solid I think I would have ruined him after run #5...
We do take lessons and feel that has helped a lot! As forgiving as my horse is I do not want to run him into the ground trying to get my brain on board when we go to make a run. Here are some of our runs over the last two years
Sept 2015 First run after I bought him a couple weeks prior to this run 17.7 on a standard
https://www.facebook.com/kaci.uto/videos/vb.503597695/10153487085357...
Sept 2015 2nd run on him same arena (the day after the link right above this) 17.6
https://www.facebook.com/kaci.uto/videos/vb.503597695/10153490021127...
2016 I was pregnant with our second daughter so we didn't make any runs
March 2017- first race back after I had our second daughter- won 3rd in 1D
https://www.facebook.com/kaci.uto/videos/vb.503597695/10155018026412...
Run from two weeks ago-timer didn't work but I felt like I was a better partner for him after our first barrel. He worked too well to make him run again to get a time
https://www.facebook.com/jeff.marshall.3998/posts/1199133440230866?p...
Run from Sat.... I really didn't want to share this one but a great example of a run I didn't think at all... missed my spot at the first, didn't help him at the 2nd at all and tried to 'make' him turn and the third completely rounded out the run.... I believe this ended up in the 5D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQDbhA7OHpk
Run from Sunday... I managed to think a LITTLE so it was better than the day before but about the back side of the second I apparently went off to my own little world as I left him out to dry on the 3rd... landed in the 3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUxQEuhVcU0
So.... How does one THINK through a run to be in the moment and ride accordingly. Here I have this great horse who is forgiving and can run very well, yet I am not doing my job during the run.
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 217
| I don't really have any helpful words because I do the same thing so I'm going to follow :)
I will say slowing it down and being able to think about hands or feet or body position and forgetting about the competition has lead to some pretty runs for me, but they are no where near fast. I know it takes a lot of time to glue it all together though. |
|
| |
|
 The Worst Seller Ever
Posts: 4138
 
Location: Oklahoma | In a perfect world, there is no thinking during the run, only reactions. Practice like you run. Even at a walk, sit up like you are running, practice sitting, lifting, pulling all just like you would at a run until it becomes muscle memory. Count 1....2....3...... Each number has a different position. 1..sit, 2...lift, 3..pull.
IMO You and he both do better when you don't jack around at the the gate trying to set up. Only other thing is maybe drop your hand futher down on the rein for 2nd. He's taking good care of you. :) |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Get a loud friend :) |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 950
Location: MO | It looks to me like you both do much better when you don't piddle at the gate. That's what my SO says to me too. If I start to try and run my horse where I think he needs to be, then we (meaning I) screw up the entire run. Let him run.
Are you sure he isn't hurting anywhere? Just trying to make sure. When he goes into and comes out of the third, he doesn't look like he wants to sit down and turn. Maybe you aren't setting him up to sit and turn, and I could be totally off base, but I would double check. It looks like he is just running around it. In the two from 2015, even the lightest cue, he was sitting and turning, not just running around it.
As far as the thinking part, I don't think you can think about it ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I agree with the poster above that says muscle memory and instinct take over. I do way better when I don't over think it. I have a young horse and try to over think / train a lot and it is really messing with us (me). At home, everything is natural and we could win the 1d there. LOL At a show, I just keep thinking about EVERYTHING at EVERY barrel and then, it never fails, there are more mistakes than ever. Not sure what the answer is. |
|
| |
|
Defense Attorney for The Horse
Location: Claremore, OK | I always take three deep breathes and let them out right before I make a run. I'll also do it if I feel myself getting tense when I'm warming up. Most people are so tense when they run that they hold their breath. The more tense you are, the more tense your horse is. If you hold you're breath you won't think or remember the details of your run.
You should be relying on muscle memory to ride your horse. You develop muscle memory thru your slow working and mentally committing to how to ride thru the pattern. You can also practice "seeing in your mind's eye, a correctly ridden run" . Technically, your brain doesn't know the difference between an actual run and running it thru your mind' eye. You need to see yourself riding, stride for stride, helping your horse thru the pattern as needed.
Sometimes it helps to draw the pattern out on paper marking your rate points, etc.
Phsychocybernetics by Maxwell Maltz is old, but a very good book for mental fitness.
Mind Gym is another good book . |
|
| |
|
Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| you can not think thru a runn you are what you practice perfect practice makes a perfect run and jacking around at gate screws u up think it do it |
|
| |
|
 Regular
Posts: 73
Location: Central Texas | I think my thing has been repetition. My main deal has been learning to push my super ratey mare. I make myself learn to do things like smooching because I made myself do it practicing, exhibitioning, and would go in to the alley thinking "kiss, kiss, kiss". Eventually it became a habit and I don't have to think about it anymore. My most recent was riding to the fence. I never look at the barrel in slow work or running. Now its a habit. Focus on one thing you wanna do different in a run and make it a habit! Then they all end up coming together. My current thing is not grabbing the horn too soon. We are all working on something! |
|
| |
|
 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| I visualize every barrel before the run.
The approach, the setup, the turn, and the drive out.
I think some slow work would be beneficial for you both. You have a good seat and a good horse... but just gathering it all together in practice may get you where you want to be. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | It's not about being able to think. You don't have time to think. It's all about being able to feel and react. When you think you worry about the horse doing this or that and then they do the total opposite. You have to learn to listen to your horse by feeling them underneath you and then your body will just react. In all honesty it just takes experience. You need to ride different horses. You don't have to learn it at a fast speed. You can practice slow and just work on keeping the horse where you want to put it. No matter what your doing. Make them do it right. Developing confidence and concentration also helps. If your not confident, you let the horse take control and your just along for the ride. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | An off beat answer to this is playing soccer for fun. It's a physical activity that gets your feet moving but you still have to think of your next and best move. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1409
Location: Oklahoma | Write it down! I take my book with me and I write down what I want to do at gate, ea barrel, and running home even to the point where I want to kick and so forth, that is what works for me. Always build from the last run. and afterwards I write down what happen and what I need to do different the next run. Writing does something different to the brain at least mine. I refuse to make a run without my book! lol I don't get nervous anymore and it lets me let my horse do his job and I concentrate on my job. It is just God, me and my horse. Good luck and by the way I couldn't watch bc cant watch videos from this computer. Also, it was corny at first but it does work and it works fast only took bout 2 runs for my focus to change. It is what you focus on that matters! |
|
| |
|
 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| First of all it is kind of hard to evaluate a run when it is the first run. Second, if anyone tells you that you are going to get better over night, they are crazy. It is a gradual process. I thought you looked pretty darn good and loved your cheering section. Here are my suggestions. Ride the horse in the bit he is used to. Trust the horse and let him turn on his own then pick up lightly and help him finish the turn. Go to a clinic. That repetition all day long helps a lot. If you think you are out there to win, stay at the house. You will be the only one there and will win every time. That attitude causes you to over ride and make mistakes. Go have fun. Maybe slow down just a little so that you can concentrate on what you are doing. Sometimes slower is faster anyway. You look good just need a little polish |
|
| |
|
 Winner winner chicken dinner
Posts: 2047
Location: California | I was talking to a great competitor about how I was having the hardest time doing what I wa supposed to during my runs. I told her I try to clear my head and only try to remember three little things to do. She advised me to only try to focus on one thing and let muscle memory take care of the rest. I thought it was really good advice and that it has helped me! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | One of the things I’ve leaned over the years that’s actually stuck with me is RE Josey said “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect”. Slow down at home. When I do slow work I may walk the pattern 20 times doing exactly what I would do in a run.
Take some deep breaths before a run. I’ve stood in the alley a couple seconds just to make my self relax. I do much better. I used to ride anywhere from 3 to 5 horses at one barrel race that may have less than 100 entries. What I realized is I was always in such a rush to get each horse ready that I didn’t take the time to THINK about what this horse needs and what I need to do to make a great run. Once I started taking the time to slow down, breath and think about what I was doing me and my horses became much happier with our runs.
Slow down and get it right before you go To adding speed. When I’d be at a barrel race and my trainer would advise me to take it slow that day I thought she was crazy. Like I just paid all this money to try to win and you want me to take it slow?!?!? For a while I didn’t but once I started doing what she said everything fell into place.
So slow down, take some deep breaths and relax. It’s not all about winning every single time.
Edited by TessBelle 2017-10-10 5:03 AM
|
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
Location: Ohio girl moved to PA | It looks like you have a really nice horse on your hands and he knows his job, LET HIM WORK! youre over thinking this wayyyy too much. Just go out there and have fun. He knows his job. I do agree with other posters that said to quit messing at the gate. Ive also learned if i try to set my guy up too much at the gate he gets too flustered. Just walk in and let him go. Get some friends to yell your cues for you. I cant tell you how much that helps me during a run. Muscle memory is a huge thing too like others said. Get it down in practice then you wont have to worry about it during your run! GOOD LUCK! |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 214
| You guys are great! Thank you! I have read and reread every response and appreciate you all taking the time to help!
I absolutely love this horse and feel incredibly blessed we crossed paths and I got the opportunity to own him. He's 17 this year and has probably been to more races in his life than I have been. He is just neat and takes such great care of me. He does know his job and does his job very well when I stay out of his way.
He is the first finished barrel horse I have owned let alone rode and it has been eye opening! My bad habits from riding ones I made due with is where I think I really throw him off and I think that is where I am looking for ways to think during my run or I guess more accurately break those bad habits. I do not like my tendency to snatch his face on the back side of the 2nd and 3rd, poor guy has never given me reason to think he won't turn and head to the next barrel. He does best when I keep my hand low and on his neck almost just leading him around the turn if that makes sense.
I agree with the gate comment and with the over thinking comment too. We ran at a new arena last weekend (Saturday video) and I thought I knew best on where to put him... he made it clear that was not the case since Sunday he got to put himself where he needed for the first and was much more successful than my placement! I also am fighting the urge to come into the 2nd and 3rd too far off the barrel which he again tries his best to tell me "no" in the nicest way, so again I get in his way on placement. The third he hasn't ever really wanted to come around the back side as snappy as his second. The previous owner said she would always just over emphasis finishing it on slow work so I need to get back to that.
After reading through your replies I think I have really gone away from slow work. My fear was boring this poor guy to death as I walked or trotted the pattern over and over for me to get it down, but that seems to be a general consensus for the muscle memory I so badly need so I will be sure and get on slow work
I love all the suggestions and think they will come in very useful from taking a moment for deep breaths before my run, leaving him alone at the gate and letting him just go to work, writing it down, drawing the pattern, the books, focusing on one thing at a time, stop over thinking, and of course loud friends :) etc .. again you guys are great!
StreakySox- I am pretty partial to my cheering section too :) Good or bad run nothing beats hearing that sweet little voice yelling for me, mid summer she came up with her own phrase which totally cracked me up while watching the video. She hears people yelling kick, kick, go go or drive drive drive..... this happened to be a particularly bad run and here is my sweet baby girl yelling "DRIVE SAFE, DRIVE SAFE!" Hopefully the link below works for it- she has her big 3rd birthday coming up next month, time flies!
https://www.facebook.com/kaci.uto/videos/vb.503597695/10155243507747...
|
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | Meditation can play a huge role as well. You should not be thinking in your run only letting muscle memory do the work. I don't think horses get bored at a walk or a trot (unless you do it over and over day after day). I think it is a refresher for them to slow down. I love meditation and before I run, I don't think about anything except counting to 10 with deep breaths. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1599
| kj11 - 2017-10-10 2:16 PM You guys are great! Thank you! I have read and reread every response and appreciate you all taking the time to help! I absolutely love this horse and feel incredibly blessed we crossed paths and I got the opportunity to own him. He's 17 this year and has probably been to more races in his life than I have been. He is just neat and takes such great care of me. He does know his job and does his job very well when I stay out of his way. He is the first finished barrel horse I have owned let alone rode and it has been eye opening! My bad habits from riding ones I made due with is where I think I really throw him off and I think that is where I am looking for ways to think during my run or I guess more accurately break those bad habits. I do not like my tendency to snatch his face on the back side of the 2nd and 3rd, poor guy has never given me reason to think he won't turn and head to the next barrel. He does best when I keep my hand low and on his neck almost just leading him around the turn if that makes sense. I agree with the gate comment and with the over thinking comment too. We ran at a new arena last weekend (Saturday video ) and I thought I knew best on where to put him... he made it clear that was not the case since Sunday he got to put himself where he needed for the first and was much more successful than my placement! I also am fighting the urge to come into the 2nd and 3rd too far off the barrel which he again tries his best to tell me "no" in the nicest way, so again I get in his way on placement. The third he hasn't ever really wanted to come around the back side as snappy as his second. The previous owner said she would always just over emphasis finishing it on slow work so I need to get back to that. After reading through your replies I think I have really gone away from slow work. My fear was boring this poor guy to death as I walked or trotted the pattern over and over for me to get it down, but that seems to be a general consensus for the muscle memory I so badly need so I will be sure and get on slow work I love all the suggestions and think they will come in very useful from taking a moment for deep breaths before my run, leaving him alone at the gate and letting him just go to work, writing it down, drawing the pattern, the books, focusing on one thing at a time, stop over thinking, and of course loud friends : ) etc .. again you guys are great! StreakySox- I am pretty partial to my cheering section too : ) Good or bad run nothing beats hearing that sweet little voice yelling for me, mid summer she came up with her own phrase which totally cracked me up while watching the video. She hears people yelling kick, kick, go go or drive drive drive..... this happened to be a particularly bad run and here is my sweet baby girl yelling "DRIVE SAFE, DRIVE SAFE!" Hopefully the link below works for it- she has her big 3rd birthday coming up next month, time flies! https://www.facebook.com/kaci.uto/videos/vb.503597695/10155243507747...
One thing I learned recently is to really SLOOOWWW down at home. Like walk the pattern, walk around, sit awhile in between working the pattern. Like ride like you have allll dayyy. As you walk the pattern think about your points and what your body is doing every time. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 725
| I've had problems with this also! What has worked the absolute best for me is to ride how I would in a run at home, and if possible do an exhibition at a trot or slow lope with your perfect body position, hands, and leg cues. As you're getting ready to run, clear your mind and don't try and think about anything just go in and your muscle memory will do the work. If you train your muscle memory at home and exhibitions a competition run will be no big deal. The more I think about a thousand things before my run the more nervous I get and worse I do. Goodluck!! |
|
| |
Folks on-line