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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
   
Location: In The Land of Cotton | I have lost mine. But, I am slowly gaining it back. I have sold nice horses because I knew I couldn't ride them. I have basically quit going to our district NBHA because of the things I have seen and heard the people say about others. And, these things coming from the people who run it. I have a decent horse to run and by no means1D, but I have fun.
I have a goal though. I have two nice and one cooking up and coming youngsters. After they come home from the trainers and their time there, I am going to ride them. I am not going to sell this time. I might be crazy, but I am going to do it one more time. | |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
 
Location: North Dakota | I also wanted to add something....I think there is a stigma that "if" you're not in the greatest shape and "if" you're older you can't possibly ride a 1D horse....read about it all the time on facebook, how to become better, the "trick" to becoming faster, the exercises to do to be stronger/quicker etc.....let's face it some people can't ride a stick horse to water, and they CAN get better, but I do think there is some natural born talent in almost all people, just don't let the neigh sayers bring you down. or change what is comfortable for you.
IMO a good solid 1D horse is 10 times easier to ride than a lookie loo 4D er.....
I for one feel very fortunate to have ridden on a horse by myself for 37 years-never had great horses but always had safe/smart horses. I sometimes feed off my first check I won in 1981-it hangs in my basement........
Bottom line-some "professionals" that preach about their abilities and how to become just like them piff me off! They are the ones I avoid because I constantly feel judged by some of them. BUT don't be afraid to listen to the good ones.....tons of knowledge that if you're wanting to can help you along. Start with confidence within yourself (not from others) and then take it to the arena. | |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | cindyt - 2015-08-04 8:35 AM Chandler's Mom - 2015-08-03 10:54 PM Herbie - 2015-08-03 1:28 PM Hey woman, you know all about the confidence issues I have dealt with as well. What I have done is take the pressure completely off of myself and i've been going to playdays. I don't know a soul there and I have no pressure put on my self to go in there and try to win the barrel race. If I want to trot, I trot, if I want to lope, I lope. What I mostly end up doing is trotting all of the crazy events they have and the making a practice run at the end of the night when it's finally time for the barrels. I've had alot of fun doing this, and it's been great for my horse too! He has had to go up the alley and pay attention and wait for me to show him what we're doing for the other events. The barrels are always the last event, so by the time they roll around, both me and my horse are tired and focused and it has been a really easy way to step back into making runs.....plus, it's been great for my horse to just have to go and endure it. Has taken away the anticipation of him thinking he knows what he's doing and we're learning to trust each other more and more. I have no intention of ever being the one bucket flag race champ or the running w champ, but it sure it good for my horse to go up the alley and have to pay attention and trot through and around barrels and poles and not make a run or go work a set of exhibition barrels everytime we go up the alley. By far the best thing i've done for me and my horse! And we're close enough we could meet in the middle at some of these playdays!!!! You are so smart, Herbie!! I've seen so many barrel racers lately that could sure do with some of your coaching. . .
And cindyT is GOING to come playday with me this fall!!!! I just know it! Even if I have to come and pick her up and then go to the playday, we're doing it! And anyone else is more than welcome to join us. We may not be lightning fast, but we'll have a good time and it will be progress. :) So come on Chandlers Mom....don't you need a vacation?!?!?!?! Don't come this week though.....my weatherman Dan says it's gonna be 106 on Saturday....blah. :(
Now, grinandbareit, where could a person purchase one of those t-shirts you're desribing????? 
Edited by Herbie 2015-08-04 9:23 AM
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | LMS - 2015-08-04 9:15 AM I also wanted to add something....I think there is a stigma that "if" you're not in the greatest shape and "if" you're older you can't possibly ride a 1D horse....read about it all the time on facebook, how to become better, the "trick" to becoming faster, the exercises to do to be stronger/quicker etc.....let's face it some people can't ride a stick horse to water, and they CAN get better, but I do think there is some natural born talent in almost all people, just don't let the neigh sayers bring you down. or change what is comfortable for you.
IMO a good solid 1D horse is 10 times easier to ride than a lookie loo 4D er.....
I for one feel very fortunate to have ridden on a horse by myself for 37 years-never had great horses but always had safe/smart horses. I sometimes feed off my first check I won in 1981-it hangs in my basement........
Bottom line-some "professionals" that preach about their abilities and how to become just like them piff me off! They are the ones I avoid because I constantly feel judged by some of them. BUT don't be afraid to listen to the good ones.....tons of knowledge that if you're wanting to can help you along. Start with confidence within yourself (not from others) and then take it to the arena.
I agree that smooth is easier to ride and smooth is fast. My finished horse is a 1d/2d/3d/4d horse and his fast runs are way easier to ride than the ones where he's shying or sets up like he hit a brick wall. LOL I had to find a saddle for him with more support in the front than I usually like because he would put me over his head sometimes. The last run I made, he stood me up on my outside stirrup turning the first barrel and my inside foot came out of the stirrup and went up on his butt. I just giggled and kept smooching--big change from a couple of years ago when I was afraid I was going to fall off every time I went down the alley after a 6-7 year hiatus from running. | |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | cindyt - 2015-08-03 1:07 PM Three 4 Luck - 2015-08-03 12:51 PM With age comes wisdom. I used to think I couldn't get hurt but now I know better. My young horse now I really could use some help with because I'm going so slow with her it makes me want to kick my own ass. My younger self would have had her running already. I make myself keep moving forward.
yea... my chiro loves me...lol and I know now I don't bounce back up... and usually land with absolutely NO grace...
I go slow for so long most people would hot lap me on my own horses...
I have to admit... I wanna kick my own ass too lol
I'm stoked now because after a month off, I ponied her a few miles yesterday before climbing on, and she was quieter than Cooper. A little jiggy walking off, but steady Eddie trotting and loping while he was trying to shy at irrigation pipe that's been there all summer. And then she was nice and tired when I rode her. She proves the old saying that tired horses are good horses... We're getting there. | |
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 Color My World
Posts: 4940
Location: My perfect world bubble | Circle W - 2015-08-03 1:12 PM I think the lack of confidence comes with age and children. I got bucked off after I had my kids and it really scared me to think that I could have gotten really hurt. I don't bounce like I used too. I bruise and sore terribly! It really put me in check. Now my kids are almost teenagers and are riding with me and they scare the crap out of me!!! They have NO fear at all. But they have gotten me back into showing and running. The more I go I gain a little more confidence each time. But I know I will never be the rider I used to be. But that is okay because I still enjoy doing what I do. Just at a different pace then it used to be. This!!! I still ride but have just as much fun watching my daughter as I ever did competing! I even enjoy watching my young horses go with my trainer now - I don't get on the greenies anymore. I switched from barrel racing to eventing and my #1 priority is a quiet horse that won't try to kill me. Don't even care if I win or not as long as I come back safe @ the end of the day!!!
Edited by Paintbrlrcr 2015-08-04 11:05 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 507
Location: Lost in the corn of Iowa. | Paintbrlrcr - 2015-08-04 11:04 AM Circle W - 2015-08-03 1:12 PM I think the lack of confidence comes with age and children. I got bucked off after I had my kids and it really scared me to think that I could have gotten really hurt. I don't bounce like I used too. I bruise and sore terribly! It really put me in check. Now my kids are almost teenagers and are riding with me and they scare the crap out of me!!! They have NO fear at all. But they have gotten me back into showing and running. The more I go I gain a little more confidence each time. But I know I will never be the rider I used to be. But that is okay because I still enjoy doing what I do. Just at a different pace then it used to be. This!!! I still ride but have just as much fun watching my daughter as I ever did competing! I even enjoy watching my young horses go with my trainer now - I don't get on the greenies anymore. I switched from barrel racing to eventing and my #1 priority is a quiet horse that won't try to kill me. Don't even care if I win or not as long as I come back safe @ the end of the day!!!
This is the biggest confidence booster, not giving a fart about what others say or how they look at you. As long as you're safe and having fun, that's all that matters. Always find something positive out of every ride and you will be amazed at what it will do for your confidence. | |
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| I'm 51 now, and after shoulder surgery and neck surgery I am not fearless (stupid) like I used to be. I am not a 1D rider (not in this area of Texas anyway), so I'm certainly not buying any project horses to fix. Instead, I'm riding two cowbred horses on which I am very comfortable. They don't have that hot desire to run that makes me uncomfortable, but they give me speed when I ask for it. | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Herbie - 2015-08-04 9:22 AM
cindyt - 2015-08-04 8:35 AM Chandler's Mom - 2015-08-03 10:54 PM Herbie - 2015-08-03 1:28 PM Hey woman, you know all about the confidence issues I have dealt with as well.  What I have done is take the pressure completely off of myself and i've been going to playdays. I don't know a soul there and I have no pressure put on my self to go in there and try to win the barrel race. If I want to trot, I trot, if I want to lope, I lope. What I mostly end up doing is trotting all of the crazy events they have and the making a practice run at the end of the night when it's finally time for the barrels. I've had alot of fun doing this, and it's been great for my horse too! He has had to go up the alley and pay attention and wait for me to show him what we're doing for the other events. The barrels are always the last event, so by the time they roll around, both me and my horse are tired and focused and it has been a really easy way to step back into making runs.....plus, it's been great for my horse to just have to go and endure it. Has taken away the anticipation of him thinking he knows what he's doing and we're learning to trust each other more and more. I have no intention of ever being the one bucket flag race champ or the running w champ, but it sure it good for my horse to go up the alley and have to pay attention and trot through and around barrels and poles and not make a run or go work a set of exhibition barrels everytime we go up the alley.  By far the best thing i've done for me and my horse! And we're close enough we could meet in the middle at some of these playdays!!!! You are so smart, Herbie!! I've seen so many barrel racers lately that could sure do with some of your coaching. . .
And cindyT is GOING to come playday with me this fall!!!! I just know it! Even if I have to come and pick her up and then go to the playday, we're doing it! And anyone else is more than welcome to join us. We may not be lightning fast, but we'll have a good time and it will be progress. :) So come on Chandlers Mom....don't you need a vacation?!?!?!?! Don't come this week though.....my weatherman Dan says it's gonna be 106 on Saturday....blah. :(
Now, grinandbareit, where could a person purchase one of those t-shirts you're desribing????? Â
Herbie, you need to schedule some lesson time for all of us that need you---in all that downtime you have!! It's attitude like yours that makes me love to watch certain barrel racers----just the pure joy from loving what you're doing, and loving your horse. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 403
Location: Armuchee, GA, NW section of Ga | I'll be 61 in a couple weeks and I must admit that you are correct. With age comes wisdom, and I've lost the confidence and drive that I once had. I fear for my health with the what if's........what if I fall, what if I get hurt, what if the horse slips, what if what if what if....
Younger we have less fear about what if something happens. Now that we get older we have more responsibility, more stuff that comes into play on our minds, and in real life. It is real. It is real. I've got horses that I'd love to ride, but have one main one that is the most steady who gets ridden the most because he is so steady. The others are younger and fun, but...what if.
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | I really enjoyed reading this post, I thought I was all alone. I know I began losing my confidence about 4 years ago after I saw some bad wrecks. I started putting myself in their shoes and thought they were better riders than me and they got dumped. Just reading this post has giving me the confidence that it is ok to be hesitatant and not to give up. I was dx with MS 20 years ago and every day in the saddle is a blessing! Its not the MS keeping me from riding its confidence and I want to thank the op and all the people that replied, I know its helped me and I sure many others.  | |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Hey, Chandler's Mom, you are welcome to come and ride any time you want to! If you're in AR, depending on what part, we aren't that far away! If you want to come spend a weekend just to get away, you and anyone else for that matter, are welcome any time! I don't have any more wisdom that anyone else, i've just learned to not take myself so seriously in life and in competition. Do I want to win a barrel race again, you bet I do, and I will work toward that, but I also know that Rome wasn't built in a day. Bottom line is that we do this because we enjoy it, so i've learned to just take my time and enjoy it and smell the roses a little along the way.
I'm serious about that, if you'd like to get together sometime, i'd love to meet you! We can kick it at the house or go find us a barrel race or playday to hit, but whatever the case, it would be fun I can guarantee you that! | |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | Herbie - 2015-08-07 10:03 AM Hey, Chandler's Mom, you are welcome to come and ride any time you want to! If you're in AR, depending on what part, we aren't that far away! If you want to come spend a weekend just to get away, you and anyone else for that matter, are welcome any time! I don't have any more wisdom that anyone else, i've just learned to not take myself so seriously in life and in competition. Do I want to win a barrel race again, you bet I do, and I will work toward that, but I also know that Rome wasn't built in a day. Bottom line is that we do this because we enjoy it, so i've learned to just take my time and enjoy it and smell the roses a little along the way.
I'm serious about that, if you'd like to get together sometime, i'd love to meet you! We can kick it at the house or go find us a barrel race or playday to hit, but whatever the case, it would be fun I can guarantee you that!
I feel very much the same way you do. I am glad I am not the only one but for some reason, I knew I liked you before we chatted just by your posts.
I have a friend who wont compete unless she can win, I dont get it. I want to win like you stated too. And I have to keep going so I can get to where I even have a chance to win the 3d someday. So that cant happen until I throw myself out there to have some failures and soon success will follow. ROME :)
I think I lost my confidence at 35. Around that time my husband was videoing me at a race and you could hear some things said by people I thought were friends. It hurt. But I have certainly been guilty of many judgements against others that I did not know. Most usually based on how poorly they treat their horses but not always.
Anyhow, I have enjoyed this thread. | |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Aahhhh, TurnLane, my saddle loving buddy! I always look forward to your texts because I know they're going to make me drool! HAHA I have certainly enjoyed getting to know you a little bit as well, hope to continue to get to know you and meet you in person one day. :)
Maybe you and I should meet at a barrel race this fall too. It would be fun to hang out and talk about saddles, horses, feeds and feeding and whatever other issues come up and just be that support system for each other. Not only was Rome not built in a day.....nor was it built by a single Roman....so we all have to stick together and keep building, my Roman buddies! While I have certainly been guilty at many points of being overly critical of others and of myself, neither of which i'm proud of, but i'm learning that the only person I need to impress is me and that what others choose to do is their business and out of my control. TurnLane, I know how devastating that must've been, but look at it this way, at least they're talking about a worthy subject.....YOU! :) If you were insignificant, you wouldn't be a topic......take it as a compliment and let's go have ourselves a good time!
Funny story, I found this super cool royal blue matte helmet yesterday and sent the link to my husband that I thought I might buy it. He's not a horsey guy, but instead a sports guy, so he brings a completely different point of view and thought process to my training and conditioning program.....insignificant side note....anyway, he said that he was going to put a sticker on the back of it that said "if you ain't first, you're last" (ps....my horse's name is Ricky). I have a helmet now but nearly had a heat stroke in it last year about this time and got out of the habit of wearing it. :( I know, bad me. So I told hubby, NO WAY, we don't need that kind of attention, heck we're more like the Ricky Bobby who is creeping around the race track with all the Nascars buzzing by him and yelling obscenities out the window! He laughed and said he was proud of me and Ricky and that we were really doing good and had come a long way in a short time based on all the set backs we'd had with the sickness, etc. So I said, and I quote myself, "I've looked the Cougar in the eye, and am now learning to drive with him in the car!" HAHAHA (Sure hope ya'll have seen Talladega Nights or you will be like HUH???) So that is the new slogan around the house when someone asks how a tough project is going.....I've looked the Cougar in the eye, now i'm learning to drive with him in the car! Before you know it, we'll be driving (riding) it like we stole it.....so folks better keep their head on a swivel when it comes to us because we're gonna slip up in there before long and get some of that money!
Edited by Herbie 2015-08-07 1:32 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | 3canstorun - 2015-08-04 8:58 AM
I have lost mine. But, I am slowly gaining it back. I have sold nice horses because I knew I couldn't ride them.  I have basically quit going to our district NBHA because of the things I have seen and heard the people say about others. And, these things coming from the people who run it. I have a decent horse to run and by no means1D, but I have fun. Â
I have a goal though. I have two nice and one cooking up and coming youngsters. After they come home from the trainers and their time there, I am going to ride them. I am not going to sell this time. I might be crazy, but I am going to do it one more time.Â
It depends on how you keep yourself up. Meaning do you continue to exert yourself or do you slow down. Do you keep yourself in shape through working or a fitness routine? Or do you just slow down?
I remember way-back, working for Sambo's we had a German lady. 70 years old and waiting tables. She was a bit overweight and I saw her countless times put her feet together and bend over and touch her forehead against her ankles.. Just to show she could do it when us younger people were whining about how sore we were after an eight hour shift.
I have lost mine. When I was younger I could bounce or hit and roll.... Now I just go SPLAT!! | |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| I will admit that my dream was to win every division at the same show, including 1D, dangit.
Then I started feeling old. And my rocket mare and I can only get to the bottom of the 1D or win the 2D. A few years ago I started slacking on working out in the winter, and not riding as much in the summer. So my riding suffered terribly.
This spring I decided to either poop or move off the pot. I decided I owed it to my horses to lose a few pounds and started getting up earlier and working abs, stretching, and balance exercising. 6 weeks in and my riding has changed a ton. I've lost almost 15 pounds and I have started to ride sitting down at a trot and lope again. This weekend will be my 2nd show since working on myself and I'm excited to see if it will translate into better riding full speed on the pattern.
I don't know if I'll ever win a show. I know my best chance is right now in barrel training and will start seasoning later this year. I'm hoping I can keep up with my work on myself and be in the best shape I can be for my age (over 50 but not quite to 55 yet), and ride Peon to his fullest ability, and mine.
My confidence is still lacking, at least in my overall riding ability. I don't think I'm good enough to ride at the top. I'm going to spend some time and effort working on my weaknesses on the pattern with the help of two great sets of eyes on me this fall and next spring.
It sucks getting old with your dreams not reached, but so close. Sometimes I've wanted to just pack it up and quit. But I love barrel racing. I love the people and environment. I've overcome so much to walk away now.
In the end it's about having fun for the majority of us. Trainers are another thing, but most of us are in it for the experience. | |
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Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | I thought I wasn't good enough. I am not over weight but have a medical issue I deal with, hashimotos. It won't kill me and I am not going to let it slow me down now. I used to be a hustler, crazy go getter. Now I can sit a pretty as you please 4D all day long. I want more. Same thing here too. I have DHD and RWR coaching me and I have been going to the gym 4-5 days a week. My first race will be Aug 22. From riding at home I can feel a difference. I too hope that my STF will be the horse that does it for me. I will be 59 that year.
And that is my goal. Old lady come back.
Edited by 3canstorun 2015-08-07 3:03 PM
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | lonely va barrelxr - 2015-08-07 2:47 PM
I will admit that my dream was to win every division at the same show, including 1D, dangit.
Then I started feeling old. Â And my rocket mare and I can only get to the bottom of the 1D or win the 2D. Â A few years ago I started slacking on working out in the winter, and not riding as much in the summer. Â So my riding suffered terribly.
This spring I decided to either poop or move off the pot. Â I decided I owed it to my horses to lose a few pounds and started getting up earlier and working abs, stretching, and balance exercising. Â 6 weeks in and my riding has changed a ton. Â I've lost almost 15 pounds and I have started to ride sitting down at a trot and lope again. Â This weekend will be my 2nd show since working on myself and I'm excited to see if it will translate into better riding full speed on the pattern. Â
I don't know if I'll ever win a show. Â I know my best chance is right now in barrel training and will start seasoning later this year. Â I'm hoping I can keep up with my work on myself and be in the best shape I can be for my age (over 50 but not quite to 55 yet), and ride Peon to his fullest ability, and mine. Â
My confidence is still lacking, at least in my overall riding ability. Â I don't think I'm good enough to ride at the top. Â I'm going to spend some time and effort working on my weaknesses on the pattern with the help of two great sets of eyes on me this fall and next spring. Â
It sucks getting old with your dreams not reached, but so close. Â Sometimes I've wanted to just pack it up and quit. Â But I love barrel racing. Â I love the people and environment. Â I've overcome so much to walk away now. Â
In the end it's about having fun for the majority of us. Â Trainers are another thing, but most of us are in it for the experience. Â
GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Yes, it does sck getting older with your dreams not yet accomplished... But older people than I am have done what I want to . So I hold on to hope... That's all that keeps me alive. | |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | Oh gosh, I think some of mine has been taken away by who knows what. I however, still break my own (I slam to door on my forties this year). I took in a horse that was flipping bad earlier in the year for a bit. I now have one that bucked a gal off bad this last weekend. I came off a colt the weekend before and broke my helmet in multiple places. I'm looking forward to Oct. and will have my horse back from the swim farm after his conditioning is complete. I hope that I can get my back fixed and be able to stay up with him. I just always get bored with the solid horse I like a challenge but my body sure doesn't seem to agree with my need for riding challenging horses.
Just 5 years ago I was still able to win against the kids in the bareback races I sure won't go trying that any longer.
I think my mental toughness is not what it used to be. I'm going to work on that to see how far it can take me on seasoning a pretty nice horse this coming year.
Thus, NO! your not the only one.
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Herbie - 2015-08-07 10:03 AM
Hey, Chandler's Mom, you are welcome to come and ride any time you want to! If you're in AR, depending on what part, we aren't that far away! If you want to come spend a weekend just to get away, you and anyone else for that matter, are welcome any time!  I don't have any more wisdom that anyone else, i've just learned to not take myself so seriously in life and in competition. Do I want to win a barrel race again, you bet I do, and I will work toward that, but I also know that Rome wasn't built in a day. Bottom line is that we do this because we enjoy it, so i've learned to just take my time and enjoy it and smell the roses a little along the way. Â
I'm serious about that, if you'd like to get together sometime, i'd love to meet you! We can kick it at the house or go find us a barrel race or playday to hit, but whatever the case, it would be fun I can guarantee you that! Â
You are just the sweetest!!!! Ladies like you are what made me get on this website for the first time;not only do you care about your horses but you care about people as well. . . . I'm in the very SE corner of AR-bout 30 minutes from LA line and 30 minutes from MS line. | |
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