new to barrel racing...any help at all?

im 14 years old and im just starting barrel racing.i have barrel raced before but then had to sell my quarter horse.im now wanting to barrel race with my tn walker mare.i have never comepeted in barrel racing only at home.im hoping to go and comepete in local shows that have it and eventually rodeos.i have softened up my mare alot.getting her used to turning,flexing,just typical riding,all that i think i need to do now is to get her started on the pattern and work on her ground manners more like lounging,standing still,getting the bit in her mouth etc.she is almost 3 now(she will be in may 23) and i think that she has a very good chance of becoming abbarrel horse.do you have any tips(besides starting slow on the barrels ihave read that soo many times its drilled in my brain now)on competing,preping for rodeos,getting her used to things,how to be successful?anything that you know about winning would be helpful im not going to compete probably this year but next year on her.(im going to be comepeting on other horses)thanx soo much for your time sorry thiswas soo long.

Good training is how to be successful. I wouldnt be running in jackpots until she was about 5 depending on the horse. But, you could start hauling her to jackpots and getting her used to the sights and sounds and smells.
Once you start getting her on the pattern, most local shows will allow you to do time-onlys. You can do this at a walk, trot, whatever.

Hauling to events is a great idea! Lots of places around here play loud music and what not, and a lot of horses spook really easily with that. It would be a good idea to take her and get her used to all of it.

I like the fact that she also pointed out about exhibition runs as well. They are such a great way to get your horse experience in a real setup without the pressure of trying to get a win. As far as winning goes, staying focused and thinking positively are always helpful!

I would start hauliling her to events, thats a great way to get a horse use to everything, and then when you are ready to run in them, you already did alot of your homework =)

Before just hauling to events, I would haul to outside stables, open arenas, ect to first get her used to being in new places before throwing all the commotion that goes on during a show at her. Also, make sure she can consistently and reliably LOAD :) Nothing worse than being stuck somewhere with a horse that says NO to the trailer.

As far as training, make sure your horse can back, side pass, steer off your legs, pivot, turn on the forehand, and stop with little to no rein aid as well as give to the bit laterally in both directions.

When it gets to show time, pack the trailer the night before, and make a checklist if you have to so you don't forget anything. Also, be sure to get there early so you have time to warm up and get her comfortable in the arena she'll be running in. Take this time to check for rough, deep, or rocky parts in the arena sand. Before your run, keep yourself calm! If you are overly nervous or excited, that horse is gonna feel it and be a little more gassy, flighty, ignore your aids, ect. Also, be sure to check attire rules for your association so you don't get disqualified for not having a hat or something.

Oh, and HAVE FUN!!