So here is the deal... my mom told me if I dont start riding the horses again she will sell them because we have no money to feed them anymore.. I really want to keep them and I begged so to show her I love them I need to get back on. I got bucked off a long time ago and broke my shoulder and almost ruined my back.. and riding just hasnt been the same.. i barrel raced before i got bucked off and got around a 15.77 time.. i know its not incredibly great like the NFR girls got but it aint to bad... I'm 16 so its definately not to late to start up again right?? my dad was a rodeo cowboy and i want to be a rodeo cowgirl.. i just need a little help.. any suggestions??? ![Huh ???](https://www.ebarrelracing.com/forum/Smileys/default/huh.gif)
Here's my suggestion---
Just go ride. It doesn't have to be running barrels right now. It SHOULD NOT be running barrels right now.
You should just go out and and groom, saddle and trail ride around until you get some confidence going.
The most sure way to have an accident is to do more than your mind is telling you that you can. Baby steps. Take them. You have to crawl before you walk again. You will know when you desire to go from walking to trotting to loping a horse, loping circles to going thru a pattern.
I do agree with this tho...a horse is the most worthless thing in world that you can own if you arent using them for something. They hate boredom and find things to get into. That in itself will end up costing you or Mom money. You need to make a commitment to go ride even if its like what I described above or consider selling all but one right now. My mom who is a super great horsewoman has a saying..."you arent using him...not riding nim...get a dog. Will be cheaper and just as easy to pet." Now if that doesn't make you growl and get you to the barn hoping mad...nothing will!! LOL...Good Luck!! And let us know how you are doing.
Big Hugs to you!!