But it got the job done. 
Last Thursday we went to a barrel race, Gump and I. We won a check. It wasn’t a very big one, and we were way off the pace, partly because I was behind him the entire time, but partly because I was halfway scared of letting him really run in that arena. I know. I gotta get over it. But the check was big enough to pay for my fees and my diesel and buy supper at the Whataburger (if that’s what I’d have wanted to do with the money). By the way, Whataburger is a Texas tradition and if you’ve never eaten at one, you’re missing out. They now dot the South. I digress.
Last night we went to another barrel race. At a new facility. Well the facility isn’t new, but it’s under new ownership and it’s new to me. So there. One of the best parts of being where I am, is that there are barrel races to go to almost every night, somewhere nearby. Last night’s drive? Twenty Two miles. There isn’t even a gas station within 22 miles where I live!
The ground was good, I saw some good friends, made some new ones, and generally had fun.
And we won another check. Albeit it was an ugly run; again. It got the job done, paid for my fees and my fuel. I really don’t like going to barrel races and running at the bottom. Though I’m sure there are some people in my world that believe that’s the only place I’ll ever run. Whatevs. I’m inclined to believe in bigger and better things for myself so I will keep plugging away. Though it would be nice to stop fighting my head. Any sports psychologists out there? Part of it is me having expectations that my horse simply can’t meet right now, and part of it is me just not having made enough runs consistently. I have to tell myself that it takes run, after run, after run, after run, after…well you get the picture, to get into some timing and rhythm with my four-footed friend, and so I must continue to persevere.
In the meantime, I will take the small victories- the fact that my horse didn’t run off with me. That he turned a pretty second barrel last week, even though I asked late. That we are beginning to tune into each other more and that while we work on being “together” I can finance my trips along the way.
Today it’s snowing. Right this very minute. At the obscenely early hour in which I awoke. I don’t really mind being an early bird, but this is way too early. Especially for a day when it’s snowing. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I must try and go back to bed.
Hubby is in your great state today in Fort Hood on business. I hope he took a heavy jacket 🙂
It really isn’t that cold. I fed in pj pants, a long sleeved t-shirt and a pullover- fleece and was perfectly comfortable. Though he might not be as accustomed to cold as myself! I hope he stays warm and avoids the nasty mess on the roads that is sure to ensue!
Oh, well finishing with a check sounds good to me, LOL! Glad you are at least getting some runs under your belt. I think you hit the nail on the head wtih practice, practice…it’s muscle memory and teamwork, getting that feel together, making it second nature.
I have a lot to learn in my lessons right now, I have so many new things going on, beginning with a new horse I have only handled and ridden twice! On top of learning a new style of riding. Give yourself time. Take breaks, hit the trail once in a while, keep a peaceful mind. Use the power of positive thinking and visualization.
Funny, you’re getting snow in Texas; we’re only getting rain in New England.
I love the shot of you on your horse. God, I’d love to see one of these events!
And love the shot of Zach’s hands too!
Love the photo. How big is Gump, he looks huge there. I have the similar fears with Rosie, I want to go faster, I want to trust that she won’t take off, i want to feel that she can do it & that I won’t fall or cause injury to her by letting her go for it. Each time we go out we are getting better together, although I’m no where near your riding skills.
Keep going – you can do it.
Gump looks like he has a tremendously long stride. Makes rating correctly a bit tricky huh? Moon is that way. Just doesn’t look like he is running at all and when he clocks, everyone is like, HUH?
I’m so anxious to get out of this office and get to riding. Barrel racings galore are fixing to kick off…I’ve missed the first couple. As many BRs as there are around here, I’m going to have to get humping on another horse or two or I’ll end up running Moon’s hooves off-LOL.