What options are out there?

OK , so after watching numerous barrel racing videos and accidents , I've decided that is not something for me or any of my horses. Now , I am wondering what else I could get into that I may enjoy. I don't want anything with a lot of speed lol....I was thinking competitive trail riding , it doesn't seem that bad and seems like something I would like. Are there any other things out there that are sorta easy going like that I could do ? If anything else I don't care to just ride to ride , don't much matter , just wanted to know the options that are out there ...Oh and if you are a barrel racer reading this ...good grief do you have some balls lol I didn't realize how fast it really was !!

I am very interested in Barrel Racing. The first thing I do when I'm interested in something, is look at what are some of the worst things that can happen. I decided to only do it for fun - in fairs and get involved in a Barrel Racing club. My dream is to do clinics and become one of the best Horsemen. (Or should I say Horsewomen!!)

Ya , I thought I might like it , until I saw all the videos of the accidents ! Would hate for something to happen to me or my horse !!

ACTHA is a great activity! My friend is the #1 ACTHA rider in the nation (I think?) and she has a blast. They do a lot of activities out on the trail, are very welcoming and friendly, and they base their judging on the horsemanship of the rider and the way the rider handles the horse - not timed, not about anything "fancy". You should really go watch a show and see what you think! Horses seem to really enjoy it.

In any discipline you choose to do you can be sure to find videos showing wrecks. Don't let that make your decision for you.
In over 20 years of barrels racing, jackpots and rodeos, I had my horse go down twice. Yup 2 times. In countless competitive runs. None of my horses were ever seriously injured while competing in the sport. One ran competitively into her 20's when I only retired her to raise a foal.
But what else is there for you to do? The possibilities are endless. Competitive trail, Extreme Cowboy Racing, Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Ranch Sorting, Team Penning....the list goes on. See what is available in your area. Try different things even if you aren't sure you will like it. You never really know what you and your horses will excel at and really enjoy until you give it a try.

Hmm the shooting thing has peaked my interest ! I love shooting ! I may look into that and see if we have any of that around here ! I want to do the competitive trails but some of the stuff they have you do I don't think I could .I am like 5'1 , my horse is 15'2 and I don't see me being able to bend down to open up a gate and close it lol ...I am to short !!

Remember when you were first starting to learn to drive, and were just getting the hang of the controls, the steering wheel, the brakes, looking out ahead, planning ahead (driving defensively) and just generally 'getting used to it'? In those early experiences, you wouldn't have wanted to just be thrown out onto the interstate with traffic going 70mph. After awhile though, it's no problem. It's second nature, and you just needed to get comfortable with it. Galloping a horse is just like that.

"I don't care to just ride to ride"

Whatever you choose to do you need to spend time just riding to become a team with your horse and for conditioning. I think competitive trail sounds very interesting but I would not attempt it without lots of real trail miles. Even show horses benefit from time out of the arena relaxing under saddle.

Good luck in finding something you and your horse both enjoy. It's great to share your life with a horse.

I don't think you are too short for competitive trail! : )

I really think I am , not for all of it , just for certain things they ask you do to ! I am 5'1 , Cash is 15.2 and I have to get a bucket or a chair just to get on him ! My legs won't reach the stirrups ! It really is amusing to see me get on him ! I just don't think I could bend down to undo gates and what not....I enjoy riding my boys , just would like to find something we could do to meet other horsey people ! I know for sure I am doing trails this summer while I am on break , that is something to look forward to . There is a trail not to far away that goes by or up to a waterfall ..Not sure which , but I am sure it'll be amazing !