There was a quote by Benette Barrington the other day and
with all the talk of arguing and cheating and stealing recently, it really made
me think about what barrel racing has come too. People stealing horses right
off rodeo grounds! People loosing friends over 1st place titles. Saddles being
stolen right off of horses backs. People buying horses out from under each
other! Recently I stood watching the contestants and heard a group of ladies
whispering and giggling to each other that "I hope her horse falls!"
or "I hope she hits a barrel!" Or people gossiping about how
"her new horse isn't very nice" or "her butt can barley fit in
that saddle!" It really amazes me that something like barrel racing, that
should be bringing people together because of the love and passion they all
share with each other, is really just another place for mistreatment, judging,
gossip, and selfishness. Why can't we all just get along? Why can't we just
wish each other well and leave it at that. I know, personally, that I've had
friendships ruined because of what takes place in the arena. I'm sure some of
you know what it feels to get the stink eye from someone passing by you in warm
up. And you know what's even worse? Faking. Being nice to someone's face, and
turning around and gossiping behind their backs. I'm not saying I'm perfect or
that I've never done any of these things, but I really try not to. It just
seems like barrel races would be a much better place if instead of "clicks"
forming people were kind and inviting, if everyone left other peoples things
alone, and left with only their horses in their trailers! This isn't high
school! I think we can all strive to make the barrel racing world a better
place by simply doing exactly what Benette says:
"In barrel racing your greatest opponet is not another rider, but the
timer at the end of the arena. It's a contest between you and the clock, not
between you and your friends. You should be competitive, but not to the point
where you can't have friends. You compete against the clock, and you wish
everyone well." - Benette Barrington
Slidding Stop - BHW Member