Asking Questions

    Sometimes we get lost in trying to win. We get to the point that we are afraid to mess up? Have you ever felt like that? Maybe there is someone you’d like to ask for advise, but you hesitate, because you don’t want anyone to think you don’t know what you are doing. I’m always asking everyone, “What do you think?” “How could this be better?” “Do you think this is a good idea?” I’m not just asking other champions, or barrel racing superstars. I like to ask students, friends, or total strangers that just happen to be there when a question comes into my mind. I have never been afraid of looking silly or appearing not to know what I’m doing. My quest for knowledge is more important than worrying about someone thinking that they know more than I do.

 Here are some great questions sent in by our readers to our Josey Ranch Instructors!

Dear Marsha Stilley: (Josey Instructor):
     Being the former WPRA Vice President you have hauled up into Canada and all over the world what are some tips on traveling?
Amy Clark   
Ontario, Canada


Dear Amy:
    I appreciate the opportunity to provide tips on traveling across the United States and Canada. The best tips and experience for me, was the year Martha won the WPRA World Championship and the AQHA World Championship, when my husband and I traveled with R.E. and Martha. Number one tip, have a positive attitude, remember why you are traveling and what are your goals. It helps when someone or something does not proceed according to your plan!
    The most obvious tip, of course, would be to have your truck and trailer in good condition. Carry tools for emergencies. Have a fresh oil change, wheel bearings greased on the trailer and correct tire pressure on truck, trailer and spare tires. Carry two trailer spare tires.
    Traveling with horses requires extra planning and preparation. Check with your veterinarian as to what paper work is required in each of the states you will be entering and your final destination. A health certificate and current Coggins test are the most common. If traveling into Canada call the border office that you are going to use before leaving home. Find out if there are any special instructions, what time the crossing is open, is a veterinarian required to be on duty and keep the agents name in case a problem arises at the border.
    Keeping your horse on his regular feed and hay can be challenging with extended travel. The only familiar constant in traveling with your horse is his feeding schedule. Keeping the time frame in his routine is important to help prevent digestion problems, possibly colic. When the time zones change consider feeding at the time zone from home. Your horse does not know central time from mountain time but his internal clock always knows when it time to eat. If you feed a special brand of feed or hay try to have all you need with you. Your particular feed may not be accessible across the country. From my experience, the Purina feeds are the most widely available. Check with the states agriculture departments for any restrictions on hay. For instance, California has restrictions on bringing hay in from fire ant quarantine states. In the north and west states alfalfa is predominant. Grass hay may be at a premium.
    Being prepared will help take the stress out of traveling for you and your horse. Remember the first aid kit for both of you, take your favorite pillow and his favorite water bucket …. You are traveling because you have set a goal and have a dream so go have FUN!
 

Dear Brooke Oden: (Josey Instructor)
   You’ve just started going to the PRCA Rodeos, what are some tips for up and coming barrel racers?
Tammy Mathis
Richmond, VA

Dear Tammy:
Ask questions… Never be afraid to talk to the people who have been there and done that…  There are so many aspects to the pro rodeo world that you wouldn’t expect and it can be a very difficult time to be caught off guard.  I have a group of people that I trust immensely to steer me in the right direction and I am constantly using them to bounce questions and ideas off of.  That’s one of the greatest things about Martha and R.E.;  I know they are people I can trust to give me advice about what arenas and ground conditions will be best for my horse and when I get down on myself they remind me why I love this sport so much!

Dear Elaine Lambino: (Josey Instructor)
I’m going to a week long camp, how do I get the most out of it?
Jamie Watson
Tulsa, OK


Dear Jamie:
    In order to get the most out of the week long camp, you must come well prepared for hard work and a lot of fun. Pack clothes that are practical and suited for a variety of weather (extreme heat, rain, moderate weather, and maybe even a light jacket). You must take good care of yourself during the camp. This includes eating well, drinking plenty of water or Gatorade, and getting the best night sleep that you can. You also need to take excellent care of your equine partner. Feed early in the morning and before bedtime, make sure he gets plenty of water throughout the day, and fresh hay whenever he is in the stall. Keep your horse and your equipment clean. Bathe your horse and brush your girths, boots, and saddle pads out every day, this will keep your horse working during the week. The most important thing to bring to camp is a POSITIVE attitude. You are getting the opportunity of a lifetime, take advantage of it. Take notes, ask questions about anything you don't understand, keep trying and you will return to your home arena a CHAMPION!


Dear Sandra Jagot: (Josey Instructor)
What are some good barrel racing Associations to join and why?
Terry Donavan
Salt Lake City, UT



Dear Terry:
    There are many good Associations to join. Most of the Associations use the 4D format to pay off the barrel race. With the 4D format, it gives everyone a chance to win from the very beginner to the professional. You take the fastest time and pay so many places for the 1D, add ½ second for the 2D, ½ second for 3D and 1 second for 4D. This gives everyone and every horse a chance to win.
Deciding on what Associations to join would depend on your goals. Some are your local horse show Associations. The National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), World Barrel Race Association (WBRA), Woman's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and Little Britches are just a few. There are so many more Youth Associations but some will depend on the area that you live in.
 

Dear Chad Henry (Josey Roping Instructor):
I want to go to college on a rodeo scholarship, what can I do to get ready?
Tim Rushing
Lubbock, TX

Dear Tim:
    The first thing a student should do is prepare a resume and video.  In your resume you should include not only your rodeo accomplishments, but also academic accomplishments and leadership activities.  List your educational goals and why you want to attend college.  Your video should include 5-10 competition runs.
    Next, the prospective student should contact several schools they are interested in attending.  Make sure the college offers the curriculum to meet your educational goals.  Fill out school admission applications and apply for Federal Financial Aide.  Information on federal student aide can be found at www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide Call the rodeo coach and set-up a time to visit their campus and tour the rodeo facilities to see what they have to offer. 
    Rodeo scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.  Past accomplishments at the high school and youth level are weighed heavily in awarding rodeo scholarships, especially at events where the competition is extremely tough, Josey Jr. World, high school state finals, etc.  Students have to be able to pass to participate in college rodeos, so make sure you have rodeo goals and educational goals.