ARE YOU READY?

     Even when you are mentally motivated to the highest level possible and ready to make the most perfect run and stop the clock faster than anyone else, your work is not yet done. I have found over the past four decades that no matter how motivated I was to make that run I first had to be physically prepared for it. What I mean is that every detail, starting before I leave home right up to the alleyway, had been taken care of in advance. With this done, my concentration cannot be broken and my motivation allows me to perform at the highest level possible for the horse I am riding. I know that, at that point, I have made every effort possible to have myself, my equipment and my horse physically prepared for my run. It all starts before I leave home. I like to make a check list to insure that when I arrive I have everything I need and do not have to worry about having to borrow or buy something I forgot. My attire is ready, I have my hat, boots, stampede string, long sleeves, etc. I have the correct equipment for my horse, the right bridle, protective boots, tie-down, pads, bat and spurs. I know I have my horse in top physical condition to win. He has feed and water and had been in the best environment possible under the conditions from the time I take him out of his stall at home until I run up that alleyway. To arrive with my horse in top physical shape, I have to haul him with care. I always clean out my trailer, make sure I have clean shavings and my rubber shock mats are in shape. Show back inside of Martha’s trailer

I keep a thermometer in my trailer and try to adjust the vents and windows so he stays as comfortable as possible. This helps assure me that he doesn’t get too hot or too cold. I unload him periodically during the trip so he can stretch, relieve himself and drink. I always like to arrive at the show with plenty of time for my horse to overcome the trip. If it is a show where my horse will be tied to the trailer before I run, I try to find a safe place to park. Shade is very important as the sun is hot and will zap a lot of energy from your horse, taking tenths or hundredths off your time. I want to check around the trailer, making sure there are no ants, broken glass, holes in the ground or wire that might injure him. I like to park at the same end of the arena that the alleyway is on as this enhances my horse’s run home. But I am careful not to park so close to the alleyway that someone can come running out and hot my horse or vehicle. If I am staying overnight, I want to check the stall carefully, making sure no bedding is in his stall that he might colic on. Also I’ll see that there are no wires or nails sticking out that might injure him. I try not to put him next to a horse that acts prone to kick the through the boards or panels that separate them. Nothing is worse than after a long haul and being  motivated to win your horse gets kicked. Worrying about his health can take your concentration off your run. Remember, you can not make that winning run if you do not keep your horse sound. As soon as I unload my horse, I give him a drink, walk the kinks out and check him all over. Be sure to clean his feet and check his shoes. This will allow time to find a shoer to replace or repair and loose or pulled shoe. Grand entry time is sure not the time to suddenly find you need a shoer and put yourself into a panic. If it is at all possible be sure to get your horse into the arena before the rodeo. Some rodeos or show allow you to ride in the arena and set up barrels. If you can, put out the extra effort to set up the barrels (off the stakes, of course) and slow work him under the conditions he will be running under later. This extra effort can make the difference in winning or being just out of the money. This is the time to check out the arena conditions. You want to know where the time line is, where the barrel stakes are, what the ground conditions are like, etc. Try to sit on your horse in the alleyway and pick yourself out a particular place at the end of the arena that you will be able to look at when coming up the alley, enabling you to end up at your “spot”. At the first barrel, it is very important to put your horse at the proper place, allowing him to turn it quickly and get away from it in good shape to line up for the second barrel “spot”. Now that you have gotten your horse familiar with the arena conditions, allow him to relax. If you run early in the show or rodeo feed him half of his grain if time permits. If you run late you can feed him his full feeding. Just like you, he will perform better if he’s not hungry. I do not feed hay until after I run. Make sure he is in the shade as had some water to drink. After taking care of your horse, make sure you find a safe place to warm up before you run. It is easier in the daylight to check this out so you don’t get into wire or step into a hole, etc. Also decide where you will be waiting to approach the alley when your name is called. You want to be sure to enter the arena quickly and on the correct lead. Now that you have taken care of the horse, check your personal things. Make sure you have your hat and stampede string, your boots are there, your spurs if used on this horse. Decide what outfit you are going to wear. Get all this ready so you don’t have to do anything but dress when it is time. Don’t let deciding what to wear make you nervous so that you forget to think about your run. Check out your horse equipment. See that you have everything such as the correct bridle, tie-down, boots, pads, etc. Make sure all snaps and buckles are alright and organize your equipment. When it is time to go to the area secretary to pay your entry fees, make sure you get your number if they require one. Find out what time the grand entry is and what event the barrel race is. Make sure to check what runner you will be and what runner is before you so you can be ready when they call your name. Make sure you know what event the barrel race follows and if any acts are up so you don’t warm up too early or late. Check on previous times if any, as this can sometimes give you clues as to what conditions might exist. Now go back to your rig and develop your game plan in advance. Decide what time you are going to saddle up to ride in the grand entry o give your horse that extra confidence he can get. Decide at what event you are going to warm him up. Know just when you are going to the warm-up area you have selected and when you are going to go stand and await your run. Double check and get a good visual picture of where at the end of the arena that you will be aiming your horse when coming down the alleyway so you can get to that first barrel “spot”. Think about any conditions that might exist that would allow you to be the “smart” runner. The ground conditions, distance to the first barrel or angle should be thought out in advance. Now, prepare your horse. Recheck his feet and shoes, braid his mane out of the way. Use a damp cloth to wipe his eyes and nostrils. I might want to apply menthol or trail ease to enhance his breath and cue him that he is about to perform. Put on protective boots and use tape to secure them if need be. Brush and saddle, and as you do, recheck the cinch, off billet, etc., for safety. Recheck the bridle and tie-down straps, buckles and adjustments. Make sure the curb is secure. For safety I tape, connect and use small rubber bands to secure snaps.  Make sure your bat and over and under are attached to your saddle and put your rubber bands on your saddle horn if you use them. Make sure your hoof pick is in its holder in case you need it after your warm up. When it is the correct time, properly warm up your horse, double check your attire and equipment. Make sure your cinch is tight and position yourself in the proper place to start from. Make sure no last minute adjustments in your game plan are necessary. Prepare yourself mentally to make your run by visualizing it in your mind. You are visualizing your hands low and your body in a forward position going up the alleyway. You are guiding your horse up and into the arena, seeing the marker you had selected to run towards to get to that spot in a straight line from the alley. As you enter the area, you are able to see your spot on the ground at the first barrel pocket area. Your eyes stay focused on that spot and when you arrive there you set your weight down on the saddle, cuing your horse to slow and collect himself for the turn. You are dropping your outside rein and taking hold of the saddle horn and yourself rein and leg pressures are helping him make a quick turn as your follow through the turn by looking around and finding your second barrel spot.  As your horse leaves the first barrel, you are keeping your body weight in balance by keeping hold of the horse and pulling your body into a forward position. Once in good body position, with your eyes still riveted to your spot. You smoothly release the saddle horn and take your rein. Your hands are low and you are asking your horse to run and across the arena to that second barrel spot. Again, when you reach that pocket area you are dropping your weight in the saddle and using your horse to center your body balance for another quick turn. You have just made a fantastic second barrel and left quickly. Now your complete attention is on getting to your third barrel spot aggressively but smoothly. You and your horse are a team as you take your horn and help him around his turn. Looking up for the drive toward home you know where the timer line is and you don’t ask your horse to slow down until you have crossed it, having a controlled safe stop. Once you are stopped, you are able to hear the announcer tell the crowd you have just run the fastest time of the go. You are physically and mentally prepared. The run you have just visualized is out there waiting for you. You are positive, sure of yourself and your horse, and you are not hampered by the kind of doubts that come from uncertainty or not being prepared, you are a winner. Now is the countdown to glory. You have made it to the NFR and are about to achieve your goal. How did you do it? By being mentally motivated to have the desire and dedication to achieve a goal you set and to work very hard by physically preparing to achieve that goal! I want you all to experience the thrill that comes from setting a goal, working towards it, then finally achieving it. It is truly the best feeling in the world. With desire, determination, and good old hard work, I know you can do it!