Ask Sharon

Dear Sharon, I have recently finished a teaching degree and have just returned to rodeo competition. I am writing to you as I have great concerns about where the sport of rodeo is going in North Queensland. Here, rodeos are gradually dwindling away. I would like to improve the status and public interest of rodeo, however, I have no idea where to start or what to do. I was hoping you could help me in this area. Do you have any ideas on how I could gain sponsorship for rodeo events? As a rodeo competitor, what can I do to gain...

Dear Sharon, I have an eight year-old gelding and have been training on barrels for almost three years now. We were really doing well, but at one event, he got out of control. I exercise him and at a slow pace, he runs the pattern great. He is a very powerful horse and has a lot of speed. He gives me everything he has during competition, but I have no control! I have tried different bits and a tie-down, but that really makes him mad. I am honestly running out of ideas. Also, any plans for doing a clinic in...

Dear Sharon, I am 51 years old and would like to get back in the saddle. My husband and I raised our two girls showing horses in all aspects of the equine industry. Now they are grown and married and we are thankful for the many "equines" that attributed to their raising. I have found myself wondering if I would be able to find my "niche." My oldest lives close by and now solely barrel races. Do you think I might again be able to race at my age? It has been literally years since I was consistently riding!  Dear...

Dear Sharon,

I have had an eight year-old appendix quarter horse for about a year and have had to teach him to run barrels. He is coming along well, but when we compete at a show, he won't fun as fast as he does at home. We practice about three times a week in an open arena and then the rest of the week we trail ride. I want to take him to a rodeo, but my mom said that he probably couldn't handle the stress. He gets spooky in different places. Can you give me some advice about helping him overcome his fears? I do work with different objects around him to help him gain confidence. Thanks. 

Dear Sharon:  When watching the NFR this year, I noticed that only three or four of the horses wore tie-downs. Do you think this is a change in the industry and/or style of training of barrel horses? All of the competitors were so fast, balanced and correct – it was truly incredible to watch! My horse improved by almost a full second when I added a tie-down. I know that not every horse needs one, but I have noticed that tie-downs do not seem to be used as often as they were 10 years ago. What is your opinion?