Winning the "head game"....

For many barrel racers winning the race in their head may be what determines how well they do in the real race to stop the clock. It happens to most all barrel racers...some describe it as nerves, some as adrenaline. Whatever you call it sometimes "it" can have a negative effect if you don't keep your mind focused on the race. Even seasoned veterans like Janis Wagner say she feels nerves, or an adrenaline rush before a run. "Controlling your nerves is like a head game, you have to picture the perfect pattern or pretend you're at home. Who gets nervous at home?" Janis says to focus on what you need to do during the run and repeat that to yourself all the way through the gate. If you have seen Janis run with her trademark hand on the barrel move you couldn't imagine that she ever deals with being nervous. This is only proof that when you master controlling the "head game" the real game becomes highly successful and Janis has 7 world championships as well as countless other awards to prove it.

Another world champion horsewoman, Jennifer Butcher agrees that staying focused on the task at hand is the key to overcoming nerves. Jennifer says "whatever isn't perfect today you can always correct tomorrow if you do your slow work at home. I dont recommend tuning or training during a run." Jennifer suggest doing the same routine to warm up every time this will benefit both you and your horses nerves. And the best advice is to always have fun.

Just like in any sport the mental game is a huge part of barrel racing and the truly successful people have found a way to overcome distractions caused by being nervous or by an adrenaline rush. For those who really struggle with being nervous practicing a focused approach at home, putting together a consistent warm up routine at the show and having a good time no matter what can lead to success in the arena.


For more information about 7 time AQHA World Champion, many time Congress Champion Janis Wagner visit her website at http://www.janiswagner.com/. You will find information about horses for sale, training, lessons and her many accomplishments. Thanks to Janis for contributing to this article.

Jennifer Butcher's resume includes an AQHA World Championship, 2 time Reserve Congress Champion, IPRA All Region Champion, many wins at the North American Livestock Expo, Kentucky State Fair and many more awards. Jennifer gives lessons and sells barrel horses. She ejoys matching riders and horses. This is especially rewarding when they go on to be a winning pair. You can contact Jennifer by phone 606-542-5258. Thank you to Jennifer for contributing!

Tennessee State IBRA show

Shelbyville Tennessee will not only host the Walking Horse Celebration this week but the Tennessee State IBRA show comes to town August 28th and 29th. Year end awards will be handed out after the show on August the 29th. Check back next week for results from the show.

IBRA will be be hosting shows in Bedford Ky on August 28th and 29th and at Smiths Grove on August 29th. For more information on IBRA shows visit http://www.ibra.us/

Those who may follow NBHA events can choose from two shows in Kentucky one in Falmouth and the other in Henderson, Ky. Tennessee NBHA is hosting a show in Millington at the Lazy Anchor Arena. For more information visit the NBHA website at http://www.nbha.com/

Anyone following rodeo can join in the IPRA action at Cowden Illinois at Cowden Pioneer Days on August 29th. IPRA rodeo moves to Peotone Il. for the Will County Fair on August 30th.

Bulls and Barrel Youth Rodeo takes place August 28th and 29th at Rural Mount Arena in Morristown Tn. Visit their website http://www.bullsandbarrelsyouthrodeo.com/.

Good luck to everyone this weekend and have a safe trip home.

Monday we will feature our article on arena nerves with insight from world champions Janis Wagner and Jennifer Butcher...dont miss this article.

Stats Guru

If you are a statistical guru you will really enjoy the new issue of Barrel Horse News. This issue contains the industry's top horses, sires, dams, riders, trainers and more from the past decade. Be sure to check it out so you will be in the know.

Continue to remember the Hatzman family. They will feel the effects of this loss long after the formal goodbyes are said and done. Those are the times they will need friends.

Also remember Cory Lampkin. Cory underwent surgery yesterday at Childrens Hospital in Knoxville, Tn. We wish Cory a speedy recovery.

Check back tomorrow for a listing of the weekends upcoming events including the Tennessee State IBRA show.

Remember Monday will be the article on dealing with "arena nerves". Check out expert advice from world champions Janis Wagner and Jennifer Butcher on how they deal with being nervous before a run.

As promised here are just a few pictures from the IBRA show at Rural Mount arena last Saturday.

Prayers for the Hatzman family and Cory....

My husband and I often discuss how our hobby has changed every thing about our lives. We laugh about how we talk to and spend more time with our horse show friends than people that live next door. The only time we have to socialize is at a horse show or via Facebook, Twitter a blog or a text message. Most of our free time is spent riding and caring for our horses, cleaning our barns and the many other chores involved with our four-legged friends. Horse show people become your real friends and family and in times of need those are the people who will rise to the occasion and lend an ear, a prayer or a helping hand.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Billy Hatzman a talented central Kentucky barrel racer who lost his father in a car accident this week.

We also send out prayers and get well wishes to Cory Lampkin who re-broke his leg yesterday. Cory is a wonderful youth rider from Tennessee who broke is leg a few weeks back during a run a the Fourtune Five. Cory was well on his way to recover and actually made a couple exhibition runs on Saturday at the Morristown show. Cory is back in the hospital and will undergo surgery.

Rural Mount Arena

Saturday we attended the IBRA barrel race at Rural Mount Arena in Morristown, Tn. It is a great indoor facility owned and run by Jonathan "Dynamite" Rich and his father Dana. The 160x240 covered arena is an excellent facility for equine events. I talked with Dynamite and he shared with me what drove him to put so much hard work into this facility. Dynamite's father, Dana fell in love with horses as a teen and started training work horses on the farm. As a teen Dana started to trade horses. Dynamite grew up around horses used to work on the farm but when he was in middle school he began to train riding horses. Then he met Johnny Miller a rodeo steer wrestler. Dynamite said "he took me under his wing and hauled me to rodeos". Dynamite learned to steer wrestle and rope and helped to form a high school rodeo team in Morristown, Tn. The group of 13 kids held 2 rodeos each year and used the money to help pay their way to the National High School Rodeo Finals in Farmington, New Mexico. As a senior Dynamite suffered a serious injury to his leg that required surgery and ended his bulldogging career. He then focused on his roping skills. The dream to have an indoor riding facitliy began during this high school rodeo career and came to realization 6 years ago when he built Rural Mount Arena.

The arena host many events each year from IBRA barrel races, Bulls and Barrels youth rodeo, team ropings, ranch sortings and bull ridings. Dynamite also trains horses and gives lessons at the arena. He opens the arena on Tuesday nights to ropers and it is open every other day during the week for anyone to come and ride. Dynamite is excited about bull riding events that are scheduled for this winter. He expects to have as many as 2,500 spectators on hand. Check out the Rural Mount website for more information.

Dynamite said his goal is to continue to have some big annual events at the arena as well as smaller shows. He wants to always be able to provide a quality facility at a reasonable fee so that smaller clubs can afford to hold their events. Dynamite said "I hope someday to not have to charge admission. That is another exhibition run some kid can make".

It doesn't take long talking to Dynamite to see that this is all about his love for horses and people that. Please visit the Rural Mount Arena website for more information and stop by and see Dana and Dynamite. www.ruralmountarena.net






The IBRA barrel race was a great success with 61 entries in the open 4-D class won by Jan Blankenship and Sherman. 2) Christina Tippett and Redman 3) Terry Carson and Bo 4)Jessica Gilbert and Strawlee. Second division winner was Jade Snowden riding Margarita 2) Kevin Watercutter and Drummer 3)Jewel Gesler and Miracle of Money 4) Chris Miller and Boo. Third division 1st to Cullen Ratliff 2) Nancy Thomas and Barney 3) Amber Cox and The Medicine Woman 4) Jackie Shipley and Chick. Fourth division winner was Callie Larue 2) Jamie Grey 3)Terri Collins on Ribbon of Honor and 4)Adam Douglas on Hornet.

The youth class included 18 entries with Holly Dye winning the first division, Lizzy Greene coming in second and Chase Trent in third. Second division winner was Alicia Ritter on Gabe 2) Connor Lampkin and Say You. Third division was won by Shelby Johnson and 2) Connor Lampkin and Clyde Mo Glide.

Masters results are as follows first division winner Larry Phipps and Arlene Money Rules 2) was a tie between Theresa Sloan on Howies Jet and Jan Blankenship riding Sherman. Second division winner was John Bays and Son of a Gooder 2) Scott Carter. Third division winner John Sowders and Sallee's Redman 2)Jackie Shipley and Chick.

Check out tomorrows blog for pictures from Saturday and results from the Kentucky IBRA State Show.

Ones to watch.

Today in Jackson Mississippi the 2009 Mega Barrel Race continues, The race is being webcast through www.barrelhorses.com. If you arent going out to a race today check in on the action.

The Kentucky State IBRA show is also being held today in Richmond, Ky. There is plenty of added money, $1500, to the open 4-D class. Awards will also be presented for the 2008-2009 points race. Check back here for a list of those high point winners next week.

Harriman Tn and Roane State College will be host to an NBHA barrel race today.

I am headed to Rural Mount arena in Morristown, Tn. to an IBRA barrel race. Monday I will report on the winners, have photos and an interview wtih the arena owners about this great arena and all the events they host.

Have a great day and leave em up!

Barrel Racer Info

The world of barrel racing is as broad as it is long....from professional rodeo to local club play days there is truly something for everyone in this sport. Through this blog I want to share the latest barrel racing news, interviews with knowledgeable horse people, product review, show results and share with you the great times I have with my family and friends at barrel races.

This weekend we are headed to Morristown Tn, to Rural Mount Arena to an IBRA approved barrel race. For more information about IBRA and a list of shows in your area check our their website at www.ibra.us.

Monday I will post results from the show and hope to include pictures from the day and maybe even an interview with Rural Mount Arena owner.

Check out http://www.barrelhorses.com/ today for their webcase of the Mega Race.