Saturday, September 12, 2009
How do I get my confidence back with 1D speed, after a fall racing?
Ask Tina Question:
Hi Tina,
My name is Kathy I have been running barrels since I was 9 yrs. old, I am now 47 and still in love with the sport. I had my permit about 6 yrs. ago but decided that going down the highway was not what I wanted to do. I still home town TCRA rodeos close to home. I jackpot at BBRs and other races. But after hitting highs and lows over the years I have gone from 16s to high 17s and do not know why. I have had a hard year as my husband had to have heart bypass surgery one week before BBR world finials. Anyway he is better than he ever was and doing good. But I took about 3 months off to take care of him and after returning to the arena my mare went down to her knees at first barrel, she came up and we finished still in the money in the 3D. Now I seem to be alittle chilly at first barrel, and I don't know why she as only done this twice in 10 yrs. But looking at the videos I can see that I'm not riding her and i'm not fallowing through on my turns. I see it but I can't seem to change it. Do you have any idea of what I can do to tighten the loose nut behind the wheel. Alittle about my mare I bought her off the track in the spring of her 3 yr. old year, I trained her and together we have won a lot of money over the years. She is a Dash To Fame out of a Chad's Charger Bar mare she can run and if I pop her in the alley she comes into first around 29 mph. She is now 13 and to think we are done breaks my heart, But I really think it is all me, she has always taken care of me. Sometimes it helps to get advice from someone you don't know, If you can think of anything I can try I would be grateful. Thank You for your time. Kathy
Ask Tina Answer:
Thank you for such an honest and heartfelt letter. First let me say I know where you are on all those things. Your respect and love for your horse is obvious. Endings are always sad, but to me worth all the great times and memories in the middle. Although with your mare it may just be a place you both are working through. Fear from a fall or bad slip is a God given response to keep you safe. It may take many runs to get your confidence back and that is ok for both of you. A friend I respect told me once it's harder to fix ourselves than our horses. Let me ask you this I know what it's like to want to be aggressive and competitive 1D, but can you just love racing your mare where ever you land? I love my mares more than racing and I love racing but sometimes I see how happy they are just to see me come to pet them in their pastures and I know we have a bond in and outside the arena. For me it's going from training young ones or problem horses to getting on my open horses and riding with speed, timing and trust! My honest opinion is give yourself time to get your timing and assertiveness with speed back. No one can make you feel confident but you. Try one goal at a time, like; " I am going to really send her on a loose rein or reins to the ears and not sit or go to the horn until my rate or turn spot." If you send her and make it half way great next time 3/4's and one day in the future all the way. You can try loping big circles with a tight turn in your warm up to give you confidence that she is collecting and steady on her feet for you as well. Best of luck, I'm glad your husband is ok! Try to remember the little girl that loved racing and horses and just enjoy yourself. God bless, Tina - TLC
"Ask Tina" Final Response:
Tina I want to thank you very much, as I read your response I cried, It was like you knew Chaddy and me.
Maybe you do, Anyway that was one thing I had or misplaced or forgotten [the little girl inside with a heart full of love] You are also right my mare is my best friend and each day we have our 30 min. of alone time, we have done this for 10 yrs. I am going back to basics and working on me, Thank You so much for listing to me and knowing & understanding what I am trying to say. I will let you know how it goes if that is ok?
Thanks again & God Bless you. Kathy
Thanks for your kind words Kathy! Remember to surround yourself with positive encouraging friends and family only! You need cheerleaders and people who believe no dream is too big around you! Always keep trying and make your goals yours and yours alone! :) Thanks Tina
