Worth Quoting

Anthony Robbins on Commitment

"I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent. As simplistic as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those who live in regret."

Tip For Tracking Entries

by Lisa Woodland

Remembering when entries and rodeos are can be hard. When I first started I missed an entry deadline and it was devastating.

So when I get the schedules for rodeos I take the calendar and I highlight each day for entries in one color and then I use a different color for actual rodeos. Now that we are trying to get points for Nationals and All-arounds, it is even more important to make sure we are entered on time and show up on the right dates.

Percent You Expect Progress

by Kendra Sagers

Working with a new horse, young or old, can often be frustrating. We see progress one day and then often the next day we see none, or worse we see regression. This problem has frustrated me more than once. Now is not the time to get frustrated.

Stop for a minute and evaluate the situation. Ask yourself the question: Can I train or work with my horse at the progress rate of 1% per ride? Think carefully before you answer. If you answered yes I am about to stump you and make you re-think. If you answered no, hang on. For you yes sayers out there, if you can improve your horse at 1% per ride, then doesn’t it stand to reason that your horse should be at a 100% training level in only 100 rides. Wow! None of us would expect a horse to go from start to finish in only 100 rides. (You no sayers can give yourselves a pat on the back now.) A horse barely has a good start at the whole world of riding in that time. But, we often seem to get frustrated when we don’t see dramatic progress each time we ride.

A couple of days ago my daughter was working with her futurity barrel horse and was getting really frustrated. She kept saying things like, “But mom he did this yesterday.”, or “He knew what I wanted last time why doesn’t he now?” I had to explain to her that horses are people too. We make mistakes and require practice to get things right. If we were supposed to retain everything we had been taught the first time there would be no reason for practice. I told her that if she did what she was supposed to every time she rode her seasoned barrel horse she would never hit a barrel. (Just some food for thought)

The point I am trying to make is that we need to be patient with our horses. They are not usually out there looking to do wrong. In fact, most of the time they really do try to please you. Work with your horse with the mind set that they really are trying to do as you ask. Be patient and help them through their difficulties. If you will show patience here you will find that you will have a much better more solid horse in the long run. Remember, progress, even in small amounts, is still progress!

Rodeo Moms in Business-Lisa's Vinyl Creations

by Lisa Woodland

6 1/2years ago I quit my dream Interior Design Career to be a mom. Little did I know then that I would be a rodeo mom. Coming off a career to the mundane everyday dishes, laundry, and diapers I found myself falling into a depression. I needed a creative outlet that would keep me upbeat. Then I soon needed extra money to rodeo.

I started a vinyl sign business, Lisa’s Vinyl Creations. We do custom boards, signs, auto decals, and wall decor. This industry has changed a lot in the last 4 years and is unlimited. With a jpeg design or a hand drawing that can be scanned in we can turn your brands, logo, quotes, & family mottos into trailer and auto advertising, wall art, and decor. Check out our website lisasvinylcreations.com and new blog with current ideas and products lisasvinylcreations.blogspot.com.

Now you can get official Rodeo Moms Club decals for your truck, trailer or whatever. Check it out here.

Contact Info. Lisa Woodland 435-623-4946 or 801-372-6176.

Roping Fast - Picture of the Week

Fitting A Saddle

By Lisa Woodland

A few weeks ago I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This led me to an experience of riding a bucking horse. In my 32 years of riding horses, I have only had this pleasure twice.

The first time I was a teenager and very cocky. I remember just wanting to get back on and prove to myself that I can stick a bucking horse. All three of my sisters got bucked off before my mom finally got on. Luckily she figured out that the saddle was the problem and she got off and fixed it before she fell victim. So lesson number 1 always check your tack before getting on it can save you a lot of aches and pains as well as your horse.

Somehow the tree in our saddle broke in half. So if you were walking the saddle didn’t move enough to hurt the horse. As soon as you started to trot, the saddle would begin pinching and irritating the horse. When you asked for a lope, that was more than the horse could take and we would get bucked off. If it is not comfortable for you and the horse, it will likely result in an uncomfortable experience for both you and the horse. Here are some steps to get started.

1. Proper positioning of the saddle is the first and most important key to a proper fit. Proper saddle position will have the saddle placed on the horse's back so that the cinch falls about four inches behind the elbow to far forward or to far back will cause saddle sores. This will in turn constrict the horse’s movement which also puts the rider out of position.

2. Check the clearance at the withers. You should be able to place 2 or more (no more than 4) stacked fingers between the withers and the gullet (with no saddle pad). The saddle gullet is the cutout or tunnel underneath the fork and rides over the horse's withers. The design of the fork and the angle of the bars of the saddle tree determine the width and height of the gullet.

It's important that the gullet have the right amount of clearance over the withers. If the gullet height is too short, the saddle will rub on the horse's withers. If the gullet width is too wide, the saddle will sit too low on the shoulders, and also rub on the horse's withers. Rubbed withers equals unhappy horse.

3. Check the shoulder clearance. You should be able to easily slip your hand between the fleece lining and the horses shoulder (with a saddle pad). Ideally, you should also be able to do this with a rider in the saddle.

4. Check the skirt fit. The skirt should follow the contour of the horse’s back and not extend past its loins.

5. Check the balance. Step back and view your horse from the side. The flat area of the seat should be level and the fork should not be higher than the cantle. When cinched, the back of the saddle shouldn’t rock up.

If your saddle has problems fi tting this criteria you can add or take away pads. If this doesn’t help then you will want to try other saddles. Because every horse and rider vary so much and saddles are expensive. Having different pads are the least expensive way to correct the problem.

Out Of My Comfort Zone

By Shauna Winters

I am a talker. I love people. I love crowds. I didn’t necessarily like being in front of people, but it also didn’t cripple me.

I signed my kids up for some rodeos here in Nephi, our home town. My kids were just beginning to ride, so I thought being in front of an audience would be good for them. The first year, I got to go and just sit and watch my kids. When they were done, I got to go home. It was nice, but I am a person who likes to help.

I volunteered to do a snack shack for the Junior High State Qualifier the following year (what was I thinking?). I figured it was a good thing because it helped our association. I also felt like I was contributing to the association in a positive way. I then became the snack shack lady.

Then one day, I was hanging around the office before the rodeo started. Chad (who had been my 5th grade teacher) had been announcing all of the rodeos. He must have told them at some time that it would be nice if someone could come up occasionally and give him a little break. He said, “Shauna could do it”.

First I thought he was joking. Although I like to talk, I was PETRIFIED of the microphone. But because I have a problem with the word “No”, I said “Sure”. So that first rodeo he calls me up to the announcer’s stand. I take the microphone, and I am shaking like a leaf. I start calling out names. As if the microphone wasn’t bad enough, I couldn’t pronounce half of the names. But that wasn’t the worst part. I could hear myself echoing behind me, so I would start to talk and then wait until I heard it over the speakers before continuing.

If you were in attendance at that rodeo, I am apologizing now. My brother called me just to tell me I sounded horrible. My own MOTHER called me to tell me it was terrible and laugh her butt off at me. My friend called me to tell me it was “pretty bad”. Well thanks for all the votes of confidence folks.

I got through that first rodeo though, but apparently someone was either deaf or had a lot of faith, because I am still announcing rodeos. I love it. I love to watch the kids compete. I love it more to see their faces when they are winning. But most of all, I am thankful for all of the people it has brought into my life. I have made some amazing friends and I have witnessed some amazing growth, not only in my own kids, but everyone else’s as well.

Relaxing A Horse In The Rope Box

After roping, it is good to give your horse a reward and teach them that the rope box is a safe place to be. You can start by backing your horse into the box. Once he is where you want him to stand when you are ready to rope, drop your reins. This may take some time the first few times that you do it because most rope horses move forward in the box as soon as you drop your reins.

When you horse is standing still and being calm, start to take all of your roping gear off. Then step off your horse and loosen all of the cinches. This is the reward they are looking for.

Then take off the rest of your boots, tie downs, neck ropes or anything you could not take off while on the horse.

Here is an example of our routine.



Another thing we like to do in the rope box to make sure the horse is free in the box is to pick up all of their feet while they are in the corner. This stops horses from squatting in the box or freezing up.

Hopefully, some of these steps help you have a calmer horse in the box.

Poles Can Be So Scary - Picture of the Week

Oh I hate it when I hit a pole! Ouch!

Funnel Pattern for Your Barrel Horse

Funnel Patterns to Keep Your Barrel Horse Loose and Supple

by Kendra Sagers

Training and riding barrel horses can sometimes be a challenge. Especially when we really don’t want to over work the barrel pattern, but may still feel like there is work to do with or around barrels. I have a number of exercises that I do to help me work my barrel horse, keep him supple, work on my turns and speed control, and still not over work the barrel pattern.

You can use cones, tires, or barrels as markers for these patterns. To work the patterns at a trot or canter I suggest 80' between the widest markers, 60' between the middle markers, and 40' between the shortest markers. Each pattern is discussed below.

This is the funnel pattern I call Left or Right Turn. Meaning that you can work it in either direction. This pattern can also be worked at a walk, trot, or slow canter. Just remember that you should always start slow and gradually speed up. Only work this pattern at speeds where YOU are completely in control and able to maintain your horse’s body shape. Also remember to keep your circles around the barrels smooth and even.

I call this pattern Figure Eights. This pattern helps you simulate working between two barrels. Remember to maintain control, shape, and distance in this and all patterns. I recommend working this pattern at a walk and a trot. If you and your horse are advanced you can work it at a canter, but remember to maintain shape, control, and speed. This pattern can also be worked from either direction and either end.

I call this funnel pattern Left then Right. It works your horse in both directions. This pattern will help keep your horse listening to you while working on your turns. I recommend using this pattern at the walk or the trot.

I call this pattern Zig Zag. This pattern can help you to keep control of your horse and to keep him guessing and waiting for your cue. When working it be sure to maintain control, shape, and distance from the markers. This pattern can be worked at a walk, tort, or canter. Make sure you are in control and allow your horse plenty of room.

Rodeo Moms In Business

by Lori Pierce

This week’s feature side business is Waggintail Dachshunds.

I have also tried to find side jobs to help support my kids in junior rodeos. I had a few miniature dachshunds and decided that with the love of them and my knowledge that I had about the breed I would start breeding a few quality mini dachshunds and selling the puppies to help out with our expenses and to help better the dachshund breed.

I started by contacting the best breeders that I could find and investing in a few female puppies and one male puppy to start out my business called Waggintail Dachshunds. I made sure that my dogs were of the best quality lines and that they came from parents with great temperaments so that the puppies would pass along that trait as well as wonderful confirmations. I read as much information as I could to better my knowledge of the breed and I contacted many breeders that had been in the business for a long time and asked as many questions as they would tolerate me asking.

I then started a website to promote my puppies and my new business and through a lot of trial and error things started to come together nicely. I only raise the best quality puppies that I can and I am constantly trying to better my lines with the best dogs I can get. It has been a long road to build my business up but I do feel that I have some of the best puppies that you can buy in Utah. So if you’re looking for a really nice healthy puppy that comes from top quality AKC lines go to http://www.wtdachshunds.com and see what I have available now!!

Helping Hands - Cool Picture

It is so cute to see one rodeo contestant helping another one get started.

New Year’s Clean Up

By Terrie Vickers

Now that the New Year is beckoning we should take time to do one of what I call life’s necessary evils.

1. Go to your tack room and trailer. Gather up all your bridles and halters and let's begin.
2. Gather up some leather cleaner and conditioner, old rags, and a little brush(I like old tooth brushes because they can get in little places.)
3. Also grab a screwdriver and some pliers you will need these to take your bridles and halters apart.
4. And the most important a good movie and some chocolate. This make the job go faster.

Now let’s get started:
1. I like to start by taking the bridle apart and then cleaning them.
2. Then you want to inspect and check for any thing that should be fixed or replaced take care of this now. Don't forget the bit! It is so important check it for any damage that could hurt your horse.
3. Condition your leather and put the headstall back together and if you chose not to take them apart be sure to tighten all the screws.
4. Check your chin strap for wear.
5. Check your reins for any weak places & if you have buckles check them. Also, I like to spray mine with a little W-D 40 to keep from sticking.
6. Try to involve the kids. It’s good for them and won't kill them
7. Now pat yourself on the back.

A Barrel Racer's 12 Days Of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Eight Bits to Choose From!
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Nine Tons of Hay!
Eight Bits to Choose From!
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Ten Straight Clean Runs!
Nine Tons of Hay!
Eight Bits to Choose From!
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Eleven Matching Pairs of Boots!
Ten Straight Clean Runs!
Nine Tons of Hay!
Eight Bits to Choose From!
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Twelve Entry Fees!!!!!
Eleven Matching Pairs of Boots!
Ten Straight Clean Runs!
Nine Tons of Hay!
Eight Bits to Choose From!
Seven Bags of Bands!
Six Poles for Bending!
Five Sacks of Feed!
Four New Horseshoes!
Three Cans for Chasing!
Two Barrel Horses!
And A Saddle That Was New and Shiny!