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 Go For It!
   
Location: Texas | I am so going to get in trouble for saying this - and I won't hold it against ANYONE for flaming me… BUT…
I feel pretty confident that, when I get to the point that I don't feel like I can win anymore, I'm probably going to find another hobby, lol. This is WAY too much work and WAY to expensive for me to justify doing it and not getting a return. I'll still ride, but I probably won't compete anymore. There is just something about pulling in and feeling like I have no chance of winning. It sucks the fun right out of it for me. Maybe it is because I have had some success in the past. So unless I feel like I'm working towards being at the top, I'm pretty sure I won't enjoy it.
I know that it isn't like that for everyone, which is why the divisional races have been such a success. And I have the utmost respect for anyone who gets out there and does what they enjoy doing, win or lose. For me personally, I'm just not made that way (my husband can confirm this, lol) I am completely goal oriented and do very few things "just for fun". I am always looking for a new project and getting involved in some new thing. Once I have done all that I can do with something, I hand it off to someone else, that enjoys the long-term stuff, and I move on to the next thing.
I love that I have the opportunity to do these 40 and over clinics, because they are a challenge for me. And I need a challenge! These posts have really been beneficial to read because they are many of the things that we will be addressing in the class. I can not wait to start encouraging and empowering other over 40 women to get out there and pursue their dream. It is never too late to do what you love!
And for the record… I feel better at 50 than I ever have, and I have no plans to slow down anytime soon. Lord willing, I'll be blowing and going for many more years. I don't know what tomorrow will bring and quite frankly, I don't really care. I know that today is a gift and we just need to take it one day at a time. We can read stuff about what happens to some people as they have gotten older, but that doesn't mean it will be like that for us. I, for one, am going to do everything I can to slow the process by eating right, exercising my body and my mind and doing what I can to help others succeed. It makes me better too! I know 25 year olds that act 70 and I know 70 year olds that act 25. Age is just a number folks - don't let yourself be defined by it.
Edited by grinandbareit 2014-11-25 12:05 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 907
Location: a secret | 50 is the new 30 ... Having said that I hav a great mare that tolerates the lack of a better word a good rider... It s all in the match as we get older.. |
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Tell It Like It Is
Posts: 22025
 
Location: Wyoming | What a great thread! I am not quite 45, but in the last few years I have had trouble with my weight and energy levels. I have an easier time of talking my self out of going to a race. The thought of loading all my crap and horses exhaust me. LOL
I think for me that my confidence is better than it used to be and I can handle the pressure better. I am better at handling a bad run and am better about not getting negative. Usually. It seems like that part of competing has gotten better for me the older I get.
I have a nice horse that is honest and consistent as long as he isn't sore. Ahem, that is the thing though that gets me down worse than anything. But, I am learning how to deal with that too.
I have two super nice colts that I am very excited about. The problem is it's winter and I have turned into a fair weather rider. :)
One thing that I have found out that really helps me is Yoga!
I LOVE YOGA!
I have Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown and Yoga Inferno and do those workouts when I feel like I need to up my workout.
I also found Yoga with Adriene on Youtube that is Fantastic! It really helps with strength building and stretching. I have more energy and my outlook on life is more positive.
Edited by realitycheck 2014-11-28 1:20 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 557
Location: Kansas and loving it | I plan on running until they won't let me enter anymore. I am looking forward to the day when I don't have an 8 to 5 job and struggle to find riding time. |
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| Allison Ray down here in FL is right around 73 or 74 and I don't think she runs very often;however, when she does she kicks butt! She's just a tiny little thing and she just very quietly and very lady-like flies in there on that rocket she calls a horse and makes a scorching, extremely smooth run. She then just as quietly and ladylike leaves with her pockets full of our money because she usually wins or places in the 1D! |
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 Ace Ventura Pet Detective
Posts: 2409
Location: Wisconsin | ..Ha, I just read this, are you $hittin me? LOL....I feel pretty good about Barrel racing after 45, especially since I won the 2D NRF Futurity Champion and 2D WPRA Futurity World, at age of 55. (on my birthday, i may add). I dont feel much different at 55 than i did at 45...However do feel different now at 56 than i did at 20!! Thinking about making another go at the Circuit Finals next year..if i can these crickety old legs to get me in the saddle. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1613
Location: Wild Wild West | I am 64. I've been running barrels since I was 9 years old. Thats a long, long time and so much as changed. I am probably 15 lbs overweight. My balance is not what it used to be. I have hurtie places on my body, and seem to find more daily. My circle of travel is smaller, we used to go to rodeos 300 to 400 miles away. Now 100 miles is a trip. I only compete on one horse, where I used to sometime haul 3. I don't ride anything that I think will hurt me but I still go. And I still love it and still very competitive. I used to be one of the 1D riders but I'm not any more, but I'm okay with that. I run in the 2D and 3D. I have a really nice mare that I love and she loves me and I still go and still love it. I saw a picture of Ardith Bruce competeing at age 84 the other day and thought, wow, I have 20 more years. It's what I do. I barrel race. |
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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | . |
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 Having Smokin Bandits
Posts: 4572
Location: Woodstown, NJ | T turning 3 - 2014-11-19 11:55 AM Not to change the subject... but I wonder if " Chronic Fatigue" is the inablity to accept we aren't 25 anymore. every spring I go to my doctor just knowing something is terribly wrong. I am exhausted, and resting several times during the day. Every year I get a whole panel of blood tests and there is nothing wrong with me... Finally he said it..... You are not a spring chicken anymore. The only reason I don't get mad at him is 1. he is right and 2. he is the same age as me. lol
I just said the same thing to my husband! And like you, I keep going to the doctor, about once a year, sure I have something terribly wrong and we do all the blood work and it's never anything. Then I don't worry for a while. Then it starts building up again. "Why am I napping so much?! Something's wrong!" Next week I'm going for a stress test. Even though he thinks my heart is fine. I was going to cancel it until I saw Shaunar's post about her heart attack four years ago! |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | nettieb3 - 2014-11-28 6:22 PM ..Ha, I just read this, are you $hittin me? LOL....I feel pretty good about Barrel racing after 45, especially since I won the 2D NRF Futurity Champion and 2D WPRA Futurity World, at age of 55. (on my birthday, i may add). I dont feel much different at 55 than i did at 45...However do feel different now at 56 than i did at 20!! Thinking about making another go at the Circuit Finals next year..if i can these crickety old legs to get me in the saddle.
Good for you. I also think I might have a rodeo horse. I will have to see this summer. Like I said-the older you are the better horse you need. Of course this depends on what your goals are. June Holeman on Tall Boy was 20 years old and unstoppable-he was a great horse. |
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Tell It Like It Is
Posts: 22025
Location: Wyoming | nettieb3 - 2014-11-28 4:22 PM ..Ha, I just read this, are you $hittin me? LOL....I feel pretty good about Barrel racing after 45, especially since I won the 2D NRF Futurity Champion and 2D WPRA Futurity World, at age of 55. (on my birthday, i may add). I dont feel much different at 55 than i did at 45...However do feel different now at 56 than i did at 20!! Thinking about making another go at the Circuit Finals next year..if i can these crickety old legs to get me in the saddle.
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| LMS - 2014-11-17 12:41 PM
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 :)Â
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 IÂ 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 :)Â
I'm not really sure what the point is of all my rambling, but not sure what the point is to your post either......
This is the best post I have read in so long!
Thank you for making my day! Lol |
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 Expert
Posts: 1343
Location: Oklahoma | SmokinBandits - 2014-11-28 8:21 PM T turning 3 - 2014-11-19 11:55 AM Not to change the subject... but I wonder if " Chronic Fatigue" is the inablity to accept we aren't 25 anymore. every spring I go to my doctor just knowing something is terribly wrong. I am exhausted, and resting several times during the day. Every year I get a whole panel of blood tests and there is nothing wrong with me... Finally he said it..... You are not a spring chicken anymore. The only reason I don't get mad at him is 1. he is right and 2. he is the same age as me. lol I just said the same thing to my husband! And like you, I keep going to the doctor, about once a year, sure I have something terribly wrong and we do all the blood work and it's never anything. Then I don't worry for a while. Then it starts building up again. "Why am I napping so much?! Something's wrong!" Next week I'm going for a stress test. Even though he thinks my heart is fine. I was going to cancel it until I saw Shaunar's post about her heart attack four years ago!
Yes, Deb, you go get that stress test! My ONLY warning sign was being tired and really short-winded when I walked through the Denver airport a couple of months before my heart attack. I just thought "I gotta quit smoking" and some other passengers told me it was just the altitude in Denver. Listen to your body. |
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Veteran
Posts: 120
| Rodeo'nSDstyle - 2014-11-24 4:26 PM
Well my dear..Im 48, not barbie sized by far and Im pretty sure I would rather drag that 3D or 6D horse around the country side and enjoy myself then sit at the house and get depressed.. I am a very grouchy woman when I have to sit at a rodeo and watch everyone compete and not have a thing to do except drink beer and lip off.   I do not care what those little girls and younger ladies think of me or my horses..Im there for me..its good therapy
AMEN!!!!!!! LOVE this post |
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 Veteran
Posts: 141
Location: Centerville, TN | I'm 55 and I don't get to go as much as I use to but I still love it as much as I did when I was in my 20's. The body isn't what it use to be. Broken both legs over the years, broke five ribs. Had surgery on my right knee last February. Was told a replacement may take place in a few years. I think not... I to weight more than I use to and the balance I fight with. I just bought a young nice mare a few months ago and when I need to remember what it's like to run a set a barrel like in the old days, I saddle up my 20 year old and he will take me through the pattern like a champ and that gets the blood pumping again.... 55 and still loving this game!!!! |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Food for thought...About 18 years ago, when we first moved to Texas, I was a member of the NBHA and our local district only had 2 seniors so they had a 40 and over class and of course, only the people that were over 50 got points but it gave them a separate class to run in. Now look at the amount of seniors running and how many are still winning in the 1-D. I think it's pretty darn impressive. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1115
Location: Arkansas | doglady - 2014-11-17 2:28 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.
Martee, I am in the same boat, but I am in my 50's and so are a WHOLE BUNCH of my friends.. So, since we all seem to have the same issues, I am coming out with a new saddle called "The Grandma Saddle!" LOL It started out as a joke but has taken on a life of it's own.. I ordered the tree today in fact from Hadlock and Fox.. It is all about comfort and confidence..It is a saddle designed FOR women BY women.. No more sore pelvic bones!!! :-D Stay tuned.. We are having a great time designing it..LOL
Edited by Ethel 2014-12-01 11:59 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 1482
Location: on my horse | I just want to throw out there that I will be anybody's younger friend and barrel race slave! You guys make me laugh on here on a daily basis and I'm sure I could learn more than just a thing or two from tagging along and helping out (; |
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Location: USA | Nevertooold - 2014-12-01 11:40 AM Food for thought...About 18 years ago, when we first moved to Texas, I was a member of the NBHA and our local district only had 2 seniors so they had a 40 and over class and of course, only the people that were over 50 got points but it gave them a separate class to run in. Now look at the amount of seniors running and how many are still winning in the 1-D. I think it's pretty darn impressive.
Great point! I agree! Up here, the senior class is darn tough, too!
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Ethel - 2014-12-01 11:52 PM doglady - 2014-11-17 2:28 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.
Martee, I am in the same boat, but I am in my 50's and so are a WHOLE BUNCH of my friends.. So, since we all seem to have the same issues, I am coming out with a new saddle called "The Grandma Saddle!" LOL It started out as a joke but has taken on a life of it's own.. I ordered the tree today in fact from Hadlock and Fox.. It is all about comfort and confidence..It is a saddle designed FOR women BY women.. No more sore pelvic bones!!! :-D Stay tuned.. We are having a great time designing it..LOL
Now this is awesome and it's not your first saddle that was designed by you! Awesome idea. Do keep us posted. |
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