The first show of the year is always interesting. The weather is unpredictable, and the horses a little fresh. After having a show season like we did last year and ending right when we were figuring everything out, the beginning of this year felt like starting over. Plus, my confidence was, honestly, completely shattered last year and that is such a complex thing to rebuild. I finally feel like I was riding better at home and Stinger is working so well and getting really fit.
Our first show was April 21st and freezing, although Stinger was perfect to warm up. This is something we really struggled with before and he could not handle riding with other horses especially when they were going in every direction and varying speeds. This warmup was utter chaos, and he never blinked an eye. This really helped boost my confidence and I thought we were really making progress… until they called my name for my first exhibition. The only thing going through my mind were the wrecks I had last year. Stinger could tell I was nervous and gave me some trouble getting in the ring. After we got in the ring, we took it slow, it wasn’t the best run (knocked the second and turned before the barrel at the third), but he maintained forward motion the entire time. Our other two exhibitions were just okay, but compared to last year we were leaps and bounds ahead.
Riding at home in April consisted of working on some drills. My favorite drill helps me practice keeping my hands in position while keeping forward motion in a turn. I also have been working on figure eights, to practice lead changes, and some days are devoted to running the barrel pattern.
Our next show was only a week after the first, although we were able to ditch the winter coats for some sunburns (Pennsylvania weather is fun). This show I was a lot less nervous. Stinger was still very good to warm up and this time he went into the ring with no problems. We ran one exhibition and the open class. His exhibition run was pretty decent, slow but controlled. For the class, he ducked toward the third instead of turning the first. I wasn’t sure if this was him returning to his old ways or if it was a fluke. I made him trot around the first and then I finished the pattern. He had been turning the first at home perfectly, so I’m not sure what happened.
When I have a run that isn’t so great, I often need to remind myself that this is what I dreamed of as a little girl. 12-year-old me would never believe that we go to shows more than once or twice a month, let alone getting to ride at rodeos. When I look back, it reminds me that I am still chasing my dreams even if it is taking a little longer than I would like. Progress can still be made even if it is not in the run and you might not see the direct effects, but everything adds up eventually.
The Barrel Racer's Journal 