This was, in fact, my first rodeo 🤠
To the Beginning. I said I wanted to rodeo, I had my red mare Tahoe and a dream. Finding my place in the barrel racing world, where did I fit in. It is Definitely the rodeo vibe. Don’t get me wrong jackpots are great, but there is something about the rodeo that feels like home.
I am blessed to have horses that love to do it all. I am blessed that I learned how to do everything on a Ferrari 😆
I look back to what I didn’t know then, running on pure talent and advice from my family. However, we did it.
She got me there.
She taught me so much.
For a Red Dragon, she certainly loves me.
And the power of love is why we did so well together and she now carries my mama safely, and mama is competing on her now.
She gave me another stallion, from Mighty Mo. Red Thunder aka Mr. Red is truly one of the sweetest, smartest, loving, willing boys I am blessed to have, and he loves me like his mama does, his daddy too, but the love he has for his whole family is one of a kind.
Is he a Dragon? I believe the race horse Dragon will come out in him, he is a scared boy, always has been, but I know what it is like to be scared, and I get to teach him to be brave. To have a part of Tahoe to continue my heart horse legacy through Red is an answered prayer.
We can’t go back in time, but to use what I know now is a blessing, and that I get to still throw my leg on her and let her know that I have been getting better and to see her reaction, makes me so happy.
When I needed my Red dragon Tahoe she did everything that I asked of her.
I am blessed to still have her today.
Location:Gold Country Rodeo
📍 City/Country:Auburn, Ca / USA
📝Description/Tips: Go Pro is cool, glad they have smaller video recorders now. Always wear your helmet, it’s only your brain. Just start, just do it, Mae your heart happy.
✨ Pros: fulfilling your heart’s desires and dreams are the goals. Go after what you want, not what other people want or expect. Be happy being you, and everything falls into place.
👀 Cons: I learned this through my competitive running, but for others it is maintaining a positive attitude. Horses and the sport of horses will humble you, concentrate on your goals and Personal Records.
Meet my horse 🐎: Baby Tahoe now Mama Tahoe, my forever heart horse, the filly out of my first mare.
Tips for horse parents: While training, would you want to be changed? Don’t ask your horse to change who they are, work with them, find out how you can work together as a team. Horses have a great expansion of personality and personality types, just like people. When you come across difficulty training, most of the time it’s a persons personality butting heads with the horse. You either work together or you don’t. It is that simple. As Tricia says, find that unicorn.
Reflecting on my first rodeo experience back in 2018 at the Auburn Rodeo genuinely brings a smile to my face. Starting with just a dream and my red mare Tahoe, I had no idea how much this journey would teach me about myself and the beautiful sport of barrel racing. Barrel racing isn't just about speed; it's about communication, trust, and understanding between horse and rider. Early on, I realized that no matter how talented you are, every horse has its personality and rhythm. Tahoe, my 'Red Dragon', taught me to be patient and listen closely. This transformed our partnership into something truly special, where love and respect fueled our success. One of the key lessons I embraced is that you cannot force a horse to change its nature. Through patience and teamwork, I worked with Tahoe’s temperament, discovering our unique way to tackle challenges. This mindset also helped when introducing Red Thunder, our stallion from Mighty Mo lineage, teaching me how to nurture bravery in a naturally cautious horse. Safety is paramount in rodeo sports. Wearing a helmet became non-negotiable for me—the brain is too valuable to risk. I’m also grateful for technology advancements like compact GoPro cameras, which allowed me to capture my rides and improve by reviewing my runs. The rodeo community's vibe is unlike any other—it's a family bonding over shared passion, supporting each rider’s personal records and goals. Whether competing in jackpots or official rodeo events, the experience feels like home. Remember, it’s about following your dreams, not others’ expectations. This attitude kept me grounded and joyful throughout my growth. For fellow horse enthusiasts and parents, remember that success in training often comes down to compatibility between rider and horse personalities. When frustration arises, ask yourself if it's a personality clash. Approach training with empathy, and you might just find that magical 'unicorn' connection. Looking back, if only I could time-travel to that 2018 Auburn Rodeo, I’d tell myself to enjoy every moment and trust the process. Each ride with Tahoe has been a blessing, carrying love, legacy, and dreams forward every step of the way. Starting may be daunting, but as I learned—just start, keep your heart happy, and the rest falls into place.
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