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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25351
  
Location: Bastrop, Texas | lookout hill - 2013-12-09 10:15 AM HotbearLVR - 2013-12-09 9:08 AM lookout hill - 2013-12-09 9:54 AM I do believe that professional athletes have to develop a thick skin because they get paid millions of dollars & their team owners get very hefty tax revenues to build/remodel their stadiums from us tax payers. Last I checked those that rodeo only get paid when they win money in a round. I have been known to yell at the tv about a bone headed play or the football player not missing a tackle or not finding the obvious hole in the defensive line but these guys get paid millions of dollars & shuttled from City to City on private planes. These rodeo folks are out there day & night working their butts off trying to work, spend time with family, travel from place to place & make enough money to keep going. I would never post on a forum of any nature bashing someone who is doing something that I (and a majority of you) will never have the opportunity to do. I think whatever the amount that is earned, if they are truly "professional" then they need to realize that their will be critics and critiques. It's the fans that ultimately pay them whatever they earn, so that's part of the price that pro athletes have to learn to pay. Otherwise, where do you draw the line, salary/earnings wise? $50,000? $150,000? $1,000,000? Why should pro barrel racers be treated with kid gloves any more than any other pro athlete? Many critiques end up being legitimate, while many others are just mean. Unfortunately, there's no way of silencing the asses. For instance, I saw that Fallon Taylor was really reining her horse off the 3rd and it seemed to be making Baby Flo worse. I also noticed she was hanging on to the horn all the way to the 3rd, and I thought a two handed approach might work better. There's nothing wrong with a fan voicing a comment like that, is there? Pro athletes take a lot of crap, but they also get plenty of sunshine blown up their butts as well.
I would never offer my unsolicited opinion to a professional athlete or barrel racer either in person or on a forum.
Again, I think the standard should be the same for all professional athletes. By definition, practically all fans do not have the same level of talent as the athlete/competitor. I think it is naive to think that fans are going to always be nice and tactful. One vital requirement of the professional athlete is that he/she maintain an ability to stay focused on what's important, and ignore the distractions. Barrel racers, football players, bowlers, baseball players, whatever.....they all have to put up with it. That's just an unfortunate fact of life. Everyone is free to be an ass hole, if that's their goal. Barrel racers pride themselves on mental toughness, and that toughness ought to apply to the way they handle the armchair jockey. After all, were it not for armchair jockeys, they would be amateur. | |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
 
Location: North Dakota | wyoming barrel racer - 2013-12-09 9:33 AM Swannranch - 2013-12-09 8:15 AM I wish we could have open and honest discussions here with out people getting "oh, you can't say that, they are at the NFR". I'm not, everyone knows that. But I'm not at the superbowl either and I can still talk about players performances.
Especially in a sport that is totaly dominated by men, we get up set if someone makes an observation. I know not every observation is correct, but this is a board about barrel racing!!!
I heard Joe B and Donny G both make remarks that were not mean, not meant to hurt anyones feelings but were totally accurate...like..he just over rode that bull, or what was he thinking??? Why take a risk like that in the early rounds... How can we ever be taken seriously...we might get our feelings hurt. AND that's how we learn.
I don't know all these horses but I can see. I would totally enjoy hearing TRUE HONEST opinions of the horses, the riders (I don't care about fasion so...)
I have to agree with this. I have been to shows, barrel races, ropings, you name it, and there are always people discussing the performers. I don't see why we can't NICELY ask about issues someone is having. I have seen ropers go for a month without missing, get to a big event and miss every steer. EVERYONE talks about it. WOW, I wonder what is going on, maybe his hand is hurt, maybe its a new horse etc etc. It takes thick skin to get to the top, and requires it in the real world as well. Let's not be nasty in our remarks of those at the NFR, but we don't need to shun those that are curious as to why it is not going so well for those there also.
Because in true competitors nature, we want any one that beats us, to FAIL!
That's right folks I admitted it! If the winners aren't "human" and mess up from time to time, then there is no way "we" will ever be good enough to win! (whether its a jackpot/rodeo/finals or Las Vegas) People are mean and that is all there is to it! I'm never ceased to be amazed at how people's filters don't work, just because you think it doesn't mean you have to say it (unlike me, now, I said it)
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  Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | MS2011 - 2013-12-09 10:24 AM I think that critiquing/discussing runs can be useful....BUT there is NO excuse for posts like this. NONE! This was nothing but rude and hateful. It shouldn't be tolerated on this board.
Why isn't she pushing Movin?? She's just been loping her the last few nights. It's kinda aggravating me Dx. I know that little mare can get some!
Oh and Fallon. Is she gonna hit a barrel tomorrow night?? I seriously wonder how she's made it to the NFR if she's hitting barrels like that
I AGREE......her post wasn't just a "simple" question or discussion it was way more accusatory! and RUDE ! ! ! ! Big difference in a "discussion".......
And I also agree that it is a big difference in discussing these ladies vs. "sports athletes"....how many of those athletes do YOU know on a "personal" level? The NFR competitiors are at races and jackpots all over the country and relate to their fans on a PERSONAL level! | |
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 Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Just an observation from Facebook....Taylor Jacob took a picture next to a young fan and it showed just how small she is. She has to be a one waist size......which makes it even more impressive that these ladies are so small and hanging on to these crotch rocket's. I have no idea how they do it. Amazing. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 928
Location: Northern CA | Hahaha, This is kind of funny really. I wonder if they have a team roping discussion board where they talk about why Derrick Begay and Ceasar De La Cruz can't seem to get off the bottom of the average, or a bull riding forum with a discussion where they talk about why Tyler Willis just won't hold on tighter so he will quit falling off in the first 3 seconds. I kind of doubt it. | |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | halter_ego - 2013-12-09 10:42 AM
Hahaha, This is kind of funny really. I wonder if they have a team roping discussion board where they talk about why Derrick Begay and Ceasar De La Cruz can't seem to get off the bottom of the average, or a bull riding forum with a discussion where they talk about why Tyler Willis just won't hold on tighter so he will quit falling off in the first 3 seconds. I kind of doubt it.
 Actually, I'm pretty sure they do. Drama Queens are not restricted to barrel racers. Sometimes I think the roping boards are worse than we are. LOL | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1115
Location: Arkansas | dianeguinn - 2013-12-09 10:21 AM tebar - 2013-12-09 10:13 AM There is a big difference in constructive criticism and being down right hateful. Hell, Brandie would of won every round if she would of rode Slim like I did watching from the stands but put me on him in the arena and the nightmare would begin. I could see things she might change and we woud talk about it but never in my wildest dream would I tell her she did a bad job. If your watching the NFR to see all the negative you need to stop watching or keep it to yourself. Amen. I have ridden a crotch rocket like Fallon is on and let me tell you there was many times I COULDN'T let go of the horn going to the 3rd because I'd get blown out the back....I rode idiots and outlaws for years before I got a horse that was the caliber of the horses you're watching and let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game. It's like going from driving a Volkswagen to driving a NASCAR. How many of you could jump into a NASCAR car right now and drive with Kyle Gordon? You'd probably be scared out of your wits, and these horses are the same way. I used to tell my husband that it's like standing up in the back of a pickup going 50 mph and then trying to stay there when the pickup turns a donut....not easy. I was SOOO impressed that Christy was able to recover when Movin popped her out on the 3rd....the centrifugal force of those horses on the turns is unbelievable and if you've never ridden one of that caliber, trust me, you don't know what it's like. You have to be very strong and your reflexes have to be very quick to stay with them because by the time you THINK about doing something, it's already too late. I can no longer ride a horse like that and I know it, and I am so in awe of what these women are doing and what they are clocking!! Heck a high 13 isn't even placing!!! I've been very impressed with the caliber of horses and riders that are there this year. I think it's the toughest pen of horses and riders we've seen yet, and I feel certain there will be a new arena record before it's over.
OMG Diane, I so agree with you and am glad you said it. I didn't want to take the time to write it.. When you are on one like that, everything you do is a reaction.. There's no time to think.. I've been lucky to have two of them but, everytime I got into the top 15 during the year something would happen.. So, just because you have the horse doesn't mean you can make it either.. Besides being able to ride well enough, there's alot of outside things and just plain luck that all have to fall into place to be able to get to the finals.. It is a long, hard road and can be very uplifting and very depressing and frustrating.. It is mentally and physically hard on you too..But, the rewards are unbelievable when it all works out!! LOL These girls are at at whole different level than most.. Plus, at the finals, you are running against the top 15 BEST barrel racers in the world, one right after the other for 10 performances in a row!! I know they run against each other all year, but this is a whole different ball game.. | |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Â Btw, I do agree that the original post could have been worded a lot better. And I'm not seeing anyone loping through or not trying. But just an example, I've had some discussions with friends about riders jerking outside reins, or a certain one who is tall for her horse leaning and laying and hitting barrels. But she's been leaning all over that horse all year and winning, so why is it not working here? Just for the record, I am a HUGE Christy Loflin fan and I loved that she was able to joke about going ass over teakettle on her awesome little mare. With my issues, I would have done a triple somersault and landed on my head inside the roping box.
Edited by Three 4 Luck 2013-12-09 11:05 AM
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 Saint Stacey
| I really wonder if all the people telling these ladies how they should ride have ever been on a true rodeo horse? Or how many are even old enough to be a member of the WPRA? Because if you have never competed at a large venue RODEO...should you really be giving advice on how to ride at one? Probably not. | |
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Itchy Boobs
Posts: 360
| Why is blanchard not on Twisted sister? | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | loflin06 - 2013-12-09 8:07 AM There is no doubt that this week has been a struggle for a few of us. This pen is the toughest pen you will run in all year and and for me personally I'm have a little tough time getting my timing right. On top of that we all have 500 people texting and commenting on how to ride, what we are doing wrong and how they hate what we are wearing. What you don't see is the top 15 are busy from 5am until 11 pm working, meeting with fans and special needs children, meetings and a million other things that pull us in a million different directions. We are blessed to be here but please keep in mind and respect that we all deserve to be here, worked our butts off, made sacrafices that others wouldn't have the courage to and earned our spots because we are the top 15 in the world. This is a great group of girls that represent our sport very well. So if we hit ten barrels and fall off and disappoint you a with how we ride please at least respect us enough to stay positive. We are doing the best we can. :)
You are awesome Christy!! Good luck tonight!!! | |
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | rodeochick123 - 2013-12-09 11:14 AM Why is blanchard not on Twisted sister?
I'm guessing, Twisted Sister is a little too twisted.....I am dying to see her ride again though. The other horse she is riding seems like sunshine and daisies compared to sister lol. | |
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| loflin06 - 2013-12-09 8:07 AM
There is no doubt that this week has been a struggle for a few of us. This pen is the toughest pen you will run in all year and and for me personally I'm have a little tough time getting my timing right. On top of that we all have 500 people texting and commenting on how to ride, what we are doing wrong and how they hate what we are wearing. What you don't see is the top 15 are busy from 5am until 11 pm working, meeting with fans and special needs children, meetings and a million other things that pull us in a million different directions. We are blessed to be here but please keep in mind and respect that we all deserve to be here, worked our butts off, made sacrafices that others wouldn't have the courage to and earned our spots because we are the top 15 in the world. This is a great group of girls that represent our sport very well. So if we hit ten barrels and fall off and disappoint you a with how we ride please at least respect us enough to stay positive. We are doing the best we can.
:)
You tell em!
People, keep in mind that the riders are human and the horses are not machines or computers. Personalities, emotions, excitement, exhaustion, adrenaline, EXPECTATIONS self-imposed or from others … the knowledge and memories of the sacrifices you or your family made so you can be there … whether its missing a kids Christmas program or having to eat Ramen noodles on the road … things that not everyone can control perfectly all collide at this pen at one time. Things could be better for some … and worse for others. How many of us have said, "I need to go ride, but … it's too cold, I'm tired, no one to watch the kids …." Instead of questioning, let's celebrate our sport and cheer on those girls who rode when it was cold, practiced when they were tired, found someone to watch their kids (or developed a play pen of sorts).
I want each to do awesome! They've worked hard to get there and work hard while they're there … with sponsorship appearances, etc. While you qualify, as I understand it, the NFR is more than a rodeo … it's a PRODUCTION and in order for it to have the success its had, sponsorships are necessary, not just for the contestants, but for the overall show itself and with sponsorship opportunities come responsibilities.
Wishing all 15 the best!
ETA: of my soapbox now …
Edited by azsun 2013-12-09 11:24 AM
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 The Non Sky Diver
Posts: 9004
Location: SE Louisiana | Fun2Run - 2013-12-09 10:13 AM
loflin06 - 2013-12-09 8:07 AM There is no doubt that this week has been a struggle for a few of us. This pen is the toughest pen you will run in all year and and for me personally I'm have a little tough time getting my timing right. On top of that we all have 500 people texting and commenting on how to ride, what we are doing wrong and how they hate what we are wearing. What you don't see is the top 15 are busy from 5am until 11 pm working, meeting with fans and special needs children, meetings and a million other things that pull us in a million different directions. We are blessed to be here but please keep in mind and respect that we all deserve to be here, worked our butts off, made sacrafices that others wouldn't have the courage to and earned our spots because we are the top 15 in the world. This is a great group of girls that represent our sport very well. So if we hit ten barrels and fall off and disappoint you a with how we ride please at least respect us enough to stay positive. We are doing the best we can. :)
Wow - what a classy young lady! You are good for the sport! Â
Totally agree!!  | |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | fatchance - 2013-12-09 10:15 AM Swannranch - 2013-12-09 7:15 AM I wish we could have open and honest discussions here with out people getting "oh, you can't say that, they are at the NFR". I'm not, everyone knows that. But I'm not at the superbowl either and I can still talk about players performances.
Especially in a sport that is totaly dominated by men, we get up set if someone makes an observation. I know not every observation is correct, but this is a board about barrel racing!!!
I heard Joe B and Donny G both make remarks that were not mean, not meant to hurt anyones feelings but were totally accurate...like..he just over rode that bull, or what was he thinking??? Why take a risk like that in the early rounds... How can we ever be taken seriously...we might get our feelings hurt. AND that's how we learn.
I don't know all these horses but I can see. I would totally enjoy hearing TRUE HONEST opinions of the horses, the riders (I don't care about fasion so...)
I agree, but here is the catalyst for this thread heading south. The poster was rude on how she worded her questions.
Also when one can't lope a correct pattern it's hard to understand why they would feel they had a right to say anything about those that have worked their assets off to get there to the NFR.
We can discuss the runners in my opinion but in doing so we subject ourselves into the question, can we walk that walk, meaning could we ride those crotch rockets and not only stay on but run below a 14 second time to try and place. Many of us have run in small pens and there is little time to correct things going south. A blind first barrel and if you hit that wrong your playing catch up the rest of the run. The horses that are struggling are tight runners, they always give their riders fits at the Thomas & Mack. I can't imagine having to run 10 days there and keeping my equine partner honest. That is why I am in Awe for those that do, and they remain in that average.
The mindset the riders must have out there is something most will never have to worry about....SO before we open our mouths, let's just be fair about it.
 Again a big ole tip of my Resistol hat to all at the NFR, and thank you.
Thank you FC, you worded that better than I could have. | |
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The Non Sky Diver
Posts: 9004
Location: SE Louisiana | dianeguinn - 2013-12-09 10:21 AM
tebar - 2013-12-09 10:13 AM
There is a big difference in constructive criticism and being down right hateful. Hell, Brandie would of won every round if she would of rode Slim like I did watching from the stands but put me on him in the arena and the nightmare would begin. I could see things she might change and we woud talk about it but never in my wildest dream would I tell her she did a bad job. If your watching the NFR to see all the negative you need to stop watching or keep it to yourself.
Amen. I have ridden a crotch rocket like Fallon is on and let me tell you there was many times I COULDN'T let go of the horn going to the 3rd because I'd get blown out the back....I rode idiots and outlaws for years before I got a horse that was the caliber of the horses you're watching and let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game. It's like going from driving a Volkswagen to driving a NASCAR. How many of you could jump into a NASCAR car right now and drive with Kyle Gordon? You'd probably be scared out of your wits, and these horses are the same way. I used to tell my husband that it's like standing up in the back of a pickup going 50 mph and then trying to stay there when the pickup turns a donut....not easy. I was SOOO impressed that Christy was able to recover when Movin popped her out on the 3rd....the centrifugal force of those horses on the turns is unbelievable and if you've never ridden one of that caliber, trust me, you don't know what it's like. You have to be very strong and your reflexes have to be very quick to stay with them because by the time you THINK about doing something, it's already too late. I can no longer ride a horse like that and I know it, and I am so in awe of what these women are doing and what they are clocking!! Heck a high 13 isn't even placing!!! I've been very impressed with the caliber of horses and riders that are there this year. I think it's the toughest pen of horses and riders we've seen yet, and I feel certain there will be a new arena record before it's over.
Oh I dunno Diane. You're a pretty good rider in your own right, and I think with enough Super Glue and rope... we could keep you in the saddle. | |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | LRQHS - 2013-12-09 9:16 AM
rodeochick123 - 2013-12-09 11:14 AM Why is blanchard not on Twisted sister?
I'm guessing, Twisted Sister is a little too twisted.....I am dying to see her ride again though. The other horse she is riding seems like sunshine and daisies compared to sister lol.Â
So am I! Twisted Sister seems nutty, but I want to see her back in the arena. She's a firecracker. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 808
| Next to Heaven - 2013-12-09 6:26 AM
loflin06 - 2013-12-09 8:07 AM
There is no doubt that this week has been a struggle for a few of us. This pen is the toughest pen you will run in all year and and for me personally I'm have a little tough time getting my timing right. On top of that we all have 500 people texting and commenting on how to ride, what we are doing wrong and how they hate what we are wearing. What you don't see is the top 15 are busy from 5am until 11 pm working, meeting with fans and special needs children, meetings and a million other things that pull us in a million different directions. We are blessed to be here but please keep in mind and respect that we all deserve to be here, worked our butts off, made sacrafices that others wouldn't have the courage to and earned our spots because we are the top 15 in the world. This is a great group of girls that represent our sport very well. So if we hit ten barrels and fall off and disappoint you a with how we ride please at least respect us enough to stay positive. We are doing the best we can.
:)
This is why I love you. You're so classy. Keep it up girl!
This is why you are by far my favorite girl on the circuit.
I can't stand how every year during the NFR 20,000 amateurs suddenly become professionals and feel the need and right to tell the top girls how to run barrels. | |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Three 4 Luck - 2013-12-09 9:05 AM CYA Ranch - 2013-12-08 11:59 PM Please dont start knocking how girls are riding. This attitude is why I mostly avoid BHW during the NFR. One of my favorite things is to critique the girls' runs with other people--it's educational-- but God forbid you point out someone's mistakes on here.
I'm sorry you feel that way but I respectfully disagree. I have the utmost respect for the girls that can ride the horses of that caliber. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1034
| SKM - 2013-12-09 11:08 AM
 I really wonder if all the people telling these ladies how they should ride have ever been on a true rodeo horse? Or how many are even old enough to be a member of the WPRA? Because if you have never competed at a large venue RODEO...should you really be giving advice on how to ride at one? Probably not.
I read this before I went to bed last night and didn't reply because I was pretty sure it was just some troll trying to stir the pot, and if not that then it was a chicken critiquing the eagle's flight. Pretty silly.
I'm sad there are five pages to this now and sorry that I'm even replying. | |
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