Knowledge is Power!

Terri Wood-Gates Clinic 2016

WHAT AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE!! The day started early, but I was ready to soak up as much knowledge and new skills as I possibly could! Although I was excited, I was pretty dang nervous. Since it was a 3 hour drive I had time to think, and I realized we all attend these clinics because we need "knowledge" and tips from those who are already successful (as much as I tried to talk myself out of it, I was still nervous). Learning from those who are already succesfull can save you many trial & errors.

The clinic began where each of the 10 riders and their horses trotted through the pattern as if they are making a run. This was to give Terri and her so very sweet mother Norma, a chance to see how the horse and rider went through the pattern. Now you're probably thinking "why not make a run? that's where the mistakes are made"! Horses are habit animals, and do the same thing 99.9% of the time whether(After observing others, it was comforting to see that I wasn't the only nervous one!) trotting or loping. Especially when the rider has also formed habits that may cause certain errors in the barrel pattern. We all made it with minimal "hiccups" through the pattern, and went straight into drills. I was so excited and ready to absorb all her knowledge and tips, hoping I could remember enough to take home and add them to my own program. Some may call it copy-catting, I like to call it "learning from others mistakes" or "using what already works"! Why not take the tools that are used by winners and create your own success? It has taken many of the professionals several years in their craft to become successful, and add to the fact that many grow up in or around their profession. You will also find that many of the professionals love to share their knowledge and see "newcomers" and fellow competitors also succeed. That also does not mean you won't fail, failure will happen. As jockeys and equine owners and trainers, it is so important to expand your knowledge and continue learning. the

" We Learn From Failure Not From Success"

Bram Stoker

Terri had a handful of very useful drills, but for the horse I took with me there was one drill that I think will greatly improve our time and my jockey skills. So if you experience the same problem that myself and many others do this drill might help you as well. First I will tell you about Digger, my 11 year old VERY PUSH STYLE gelding. I mean he's one you really have to ride and push up into each barrel and across the pen! (BUT I LOVE HIM!) He is my very first barrel horse and has taught me so much, all the while being very patient with my not so forgiving hands. In a competition run Digger runs up into a turn and then gets that "stuck" feeling coming out of the barrel. This is what some refer to as "Firing Out of The Barrel". For awhile I only worked on "freeing him up" around each barrel trying to get more fluid movement, but had not thought to help get him up and going out of the turns. This drill Terri Wood-Gates has shown me will help Digger and I to speed up coming out of our turns. In my opinion, many competitors feel that "firing" out of a turn is critical in the barrel pattern. So much so that it can make or break a winning time. When Digger and I "slow" work around the barrels he really "dies" coming out of his turns. Sometimes he even comes to a complete stop and I look like a crazy lady trying to keep him going! This is when the "Fire Drill" comes into play. TAKE A LOOK!!

Yes it's just a circle! Its a "magic circle" in my eyes!! For this drill you will use a hose or equipment that you can use to form a 4 foot circle that's safe for your horse, just in case he steps on it. Place it near a corner where you can use the fence to your advantage and guide your horse out of the turn. This is a "speed drill" to gain that "firing" motion out of a turn. Start by loping a large 20 foot circle around the hose. Take your time and make sure your horse is on the right lead, listening to you and has his nose slightly toward the circle. Once you feel your horse is ready, enter the turn from the backside of the circle riding him all the way around, then getting up out of the turn to really "push" or "fire" out of the turn. You really only want to go around the circle once before firing out. It is important to ask your horse to execute and try for the turn then give the reward of finishing the drill. If the horse is making mistakes stay at a calm slow lope around the circle placing their feet and using your body, staying centered in your saddle and use your feet to guide. When you feel the foot placement and body position is correct try again with more speed. Also be sure to do this to the left and the right keeping that balance for both mental and physical stability. There you have it!! A very "simple" yet effective drill!! I once had a friend and mentor tell me "It's not rocket science!, its just figuring it out and making it work for you and your horse". I have been working with Digger on this drill everyday since and have noticed that going through the pattern no matter what speed he will pick his speed up even if it is just a little out of each turn. It makes me excited to see how we can improve out times at the next race!!

No matter what level you are at or how much to how little you know. GO TO AS MANY CLINICS AS YOU CAN!! ASK as many questions you can until you fully and confidently understand what they are explaining and how to execute the task effectively. Clinics can be pricey but many of the clinics whether they are barrel racing specifically, horsemanship, colt starting etc. offer a "spectator" or "auditor" option for a smaller fee.

"YOU CAN SEE A LOT JUST BY OBSERVING"

YOGI BERA

Also remember that everyone is there to learn and grow, don't be worried about what you look like or what you don't know, and focus on LEARNING so you can be the best jockey and partner for your horse. Everyday and every penny spent towards your horse gaining experience as well as yourself is a step closer to your success and goals!! Don't waist it by worrying about others opinions. If you have any questions about this drill or any useful and positive input PLEASE comment on the post or email me :)!! GO BE FEARLESS!!!

"You u can learn things from anyone, but choose people who teach you in a positive way rather than a negative one.Some lessons are better learned through observation, rather than experience."

Author Unknown

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