Are you and your horse capable of winning? If you have already won, then you know you are capable. If not, then you can always go to some time only’s or exhibition your horse for a nominal fee before the actual barrel race. This way you can see how you stack up against the competition. If you think you are ready, but not sure, you can go to a race that has a lower entry fee and see how you do. Remember, with so many organizations and so many running in the 4 division format there are lots of places to go barrel race to get yourself ready to climb to the top.
As with all professional athletics, if you want to be a professional barrel racer, it is a full-time job. There are no days off and you must take care of your horse every day. Your horse must be a priority whether at home or at a race.
Are you and your horse in your best physical shape? Even if you and your horse have the ability, if you and your horse are not in the best physical condition to be winners then someone else will win. Not only does being in shape help you and your horse do your best, but it also helps to prevent injuries.
Is your horse current on his shoeing, vaccinations, worming, teeth care etc. Really take a look at your horse. If you know how he looks when he is at his best, you will be able to tell when he is not up to par.
Do you have the right equipment? Are you sure there is nothing interfering with your performance or that of your horse? Is your equipment safe and in good repair? Does your saddle fit you and your horse correctly? If something does not seem to be right, try going to a professional for some help. He or she will have equipment and other ideas to help you and probably some things you can try out.
Have you set appropriate goals for yourself and your horse? Do you have a step by step plan to attain these goals?
Do you have the means (truck, trailer, funds etc.) to accomplish your goals? You don’t always need to have the latest or most expensive rig, you just need to keep what you do have in good repair.
Are you committed? Winning takes lots and lots of hard work. If you truly want to be a winner, luck won’t help you, but hard work and “want to” will.
Do you know how to prepare to win on any given day? Do you have a warm-up and cool down routine? For instance, allow plenty of time with your horse before you run. Take a look at the arena, look where the gate is, and where you are going to line up and start from in relation to the pattern. Notice where the timer is so that you know where to start running from, and also where you will pull up. Envision your run in your mind and remember how it will feel. Visualize your ideal run, but be ready to make adjustments if needed. You have to be prepared physically and mentally.
Do you expect to win? If you really expect to do well each time you compete, then you have the confidence and have done the preparation to be a winner.
Do you look forward to the competition? If you feel unprepared or incapable, you will dread going. It is like having to take a test that you haven’t studied for and do not look forward to taking.
Do you remain positive even when you don’t win first? Winners do not win every time. They do learn from their mistakes and put them behind them though.
Do you constantly evaluate your performance trying to improve? Keeping sharp even when you do win helps you to stay at that level.
Do you enjoy working with your horse? It has to be fun for both of you. Do you exercise your horse daily and spend time with him working together and not against each other?
Do you have a supportive and positive team? Often the most difficult thing for a barrel racer to overcome is a negative companion. Are you positive?
Do you keep building on your current goals? Never stop setting goals. There is always a new level to reach.
Preparing your horse for winning begins long before the actual day of the barrel race and is something you have to work on every day. It takes lots of discipline and a real passion for barrel racing.
So, as NFR time comes around and you have dreams of running down the alley at the Thomas and Mack, remember it takes a lot more than luck to get there.