by: Lyndee Stairs, December 2012
Barrel racing sounds easy... right?
Just three barrels and the object is to get around them quickly. Should be easy. But, not always so.
They call your name and suddenly, not so easy.
You can just get so nervous that you forget what to do. Or, all the best barrel racers are there and you don’t feel like you stand a chance. Or, it seems like you just keep making the same mistakes. Frustration takes over.
Every barrel racer has had these problems. I mean, there must be a vacuum that sucks your brain out when you enter the arena and – then puts it back in when you leave. Learning to be your best under pressure is the key. But, how??
Just remember, most of the people there at the barrel race don’t care how you do. They are like you, just trying to make their own best run. So, relax and remember, barrel racing is not life or death.
You are good, you have practiced, you are prepared and you are ready. You have trained, your equipment is right, your horse is in shape, so relax and have fun. This is what barrel racing is all about, Right?
GAME ON
Have a game plan. When you leave the gate or alley, know where you are going and what you are going to do when you get there.
Don’t just sit around and talk, etc. and get caught off guard when they call your name. You can’t just switch that fast from one subject to another. Think about your run and what you need to do. If you are thinking, you will be ready If you are going to the barrel race to see your friends and just visit, don’t enter.
ACTION REACTION
Also, don’t dwell on every action. Let them happen. By the time you think about all the things you have to do during a barrel race they have passed. So, keep it simple. You have ridden and practiced, your muscle memory is good. It is something like driving a car – if you thought of every little thing from the time you put the key in the ignition, you will be to late. Just think, I am going to ride my horse to my spots, turn the barrel and go the other way. It happens smoothly.
Don’t override your horse either – let him do his job. There is more to running barrels than just seeing how fast you can go. Don’t ask your horse for more than he is ready for.
PICTURE THIS
Visualize your runs. Lots of winners do this. But, visualize the good runs. Negative images only create anxiety. Always picture yourself making that perfect run. It will help to eliminate panic when they call your name. And remember, making runs in your head will never sour your horse.
Just think about what you are going to do and visualize it. Try to see this arena like the one you practice in. After all, it is just three barrels.
READY SET
You may need to stay away from the gate until about two horses before they call your name. Watch some runs early on to get the feel of the arena, but stay back and be ready to come in a forward motion when they call you.
Sometimes, if I have time, I will warm my horse up and then go and tie him to the trailer and go watch. This gives me more confidence.
Nothing wrong with butterflies, just make them fly in formation. Get your plan in your head and what you want to do. If you have prepared, you are ready.
HOT OR COLD
You do have to know your horse. Does he run better really calm and relaxed? Or does he make a better run when he is a little jacked up and on the muscle? It just depends on your horse. Knowing your horse well and lots of experience together really can build your confidence. So, warm up accordingly.
NO PRESSURE JUST RIDE
Don’t start listening to everyone’s advise at the last minute. Go on what you know at this point. It is not time for a lesson.
For some riders, staying off by themselves and warming up sort of alone until after their run works best.
Let me tell you, no matter what you have accomplished in this barrel racing world, there is still pressure to do good. We seem to put this on ourselves. But, when people run to the fence to watch that good horse or that big name, it adds lots of pressure. People do expect more of winners. Our job in that arena, with our own horse, is just to do our best.
And if your run is not what you wanted it to be, use it as a learning tool. Don’t ever be embarrassed. Don’t ever be afraid to make a mistake either. All, and I mean all, barrel racers have screwed up and have lived through it. Just remember this is supposed to be fun and it is. It has been proven that in two weeks most people will not remember who won or who had a bad run.
So God Bless and may all your barrel runs be fun.
