Thanks.
I do get pretty nervous.. especially driving to the event.
What I find works best is to keep the mindset that it's just for fun, if it doesn't feel right, just trot or lope and if I'm super nervous, I slouch in the saddle, smile, and close my eyes a little, then just before I go, I straighten my back, open my eyes, and put on a look of concentration.
I don't really notice the crowds because I'm so concentrated.
Why can't you race now, I Love Layers?
Remi get's so worked up at rodeos, gymkhanas, and barrel races that she's vile to be around. She tries to kick, bit and be mean.
She get's really nervous.
I don't use any spurs, whips, tie-downs, or other gagets on her. Just a plain saddle, a thick wool pad, a breastcollar, a bridle and a pair of barrel reins.
I do have a quirt on my saddle because Remi used to not want to go into the arena at competitions. I never used it while I was running.
But since then, I started un-doing her cinch and giving her a treat, right after she runs. Now, she see's her run as a good thing.
She doesn't need the quirt now, but I have it just in case.
There's so much I've learned and need to learn about barrel racing. I always have something to improve on after my runs.
OK.
