High Standards All Around
Our horses are expected to be in tip top shape, but often times, we don't hold ourselves to those same standards.
This industry is tough. It's late nights, early mornings, living out of horse trailers.... there's very little consistency. However, I believe - we owe it to ourselves (current and future) and our horses to be the best we can be.
We don't always need to make huge changes. Picking up a high protein lunch instead of the closest fast food, or prioritizing walking just 20 more minutes a day can be extremely helpful.
Here are a few things I do:
- Walk Everyday: This can be for 10 minutes or an hour. I try to prioritize as much walking as possible. If I am short on time, I will walk my horse out on foot to get more steps in.
- Healthy, Whole Foods: Sandwiches with as much protein as possible, beef sticks, fruits, etc. I end up feeling better throughout the day and I am able to sustain the energy I need in order to compete and be the best jockey possible for my horse.
- Strength Training: Finding a good strength training program that focuses on the full body will help your riding immensely. We need to be strong if we want to ride strong horses. This also helps you stay with your horse and out of their way. You and your horse need to be athletes!
- Mobility Training: Stretching and mobility training are a wonderful way to stay limber and feeling good! I recommend looking up mobility training for horseback riders.
- Mental Clarity: Sometimes the worst place to be at a barrel race is where everyone else is. I find the most clarity and calmness the further I am from the arena. I would rather warm up in the corner and stay away from the arena until I need to be there. Find what works for you and stick to your plan.
- Have Fun: There's no point in putting all of this effort in if you aren't allowing yourself to have fun!
-LD