V
Vinny O'Hare
Guest
Here are 10 real and actionable ways to embrace positivity and bring your best self to the barrel racing life you love.
1. Find the Good in Every Situation
Every run tells a story, even the ones that don’t end with a clean sweep. Instead of focusing on the flaw, find one moment that made you proud. Maybe your horse nailed the first barrel, or you remembered to breathe through the second turn. When one of our riders knocked the first barrel at a big race, she walked out smiling and said, “At least we didn’t hit it after a clean first two, now we’ve got a starting point to fix.” That’s mindset magic.
2. Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Start with three things you’re thankful for each morning, even if it’s just coffee, a well-rested horse, and clean boots. One rider I know keeps a journal in her tack room. After every ride, she jots down something her horse did well. Over time, it’s become a treasure trove of small wins that remind her just how far they’ve come.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Who you ride with matters. Spend time with people who lift you up, not weigh you down. At one race, I watched a young rider light up every time her group of friends cheered, even when her time wasn’t the fastest. That kind of support sticks. Whether it’s a text from a friend, a kind word from a coach, or a post-race hug, positivity is contagious. Catch it and pass it on.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is a moving target, but progress is trackable. Measure improvement in tighter turns, calmer pre-race nerves, or better saddle time. One Positivity Posse member beams when she clips even a tenth of a second off her time. It may not earn a buckle, but it’s a sign of growth, and growth is what wins the long game.
5. Set Intentions Before Every Ride
Going into a run with purpose creates clarity. Whether it’s “stay calm,” “trust the pattern,” or “keep my eyes up,” setting a mental intention gives your ride structure. One veteran rider I know places a sticky note with a one-word mantra on her dashboard before every race. It helps ground her focus, and it’s a simple act that makes a huge difference.
6. Turn Mistakes into Lessons
It’s not failure if you learn from it. Did your horse hesitate on the second barrel? Maybe they need more confidence drills in that direction. One rider shared that after a rough run, she reviewed the footage and realized she was leaning forward too early. She fixed her posture, and her next run was smooth. Every misstep is a message. Listen to it.
7. Stay Present in the Moment
Dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future results steals the joy of the moment. Focus on the now. Before her run, a young rider I know takes three deep breaths and says, “Right here, right now.” That small ritual helps her block out the noise and fully connect with her horse.
8. Give Compliments Freely
One of the fastest ways to boost your own mood is to lift someone else’s. Tell a fellow rider their turn was sharp or that their horse looked great. I once watched a quiet rider compliment five people in a row during warmups. By the end of the race everyone around her was in a better mood and she rode her personal best.
9. Create a Pre-Race Positivity Playlist
Music moves energy. Make a playlist of songs that boost your spirit before a race, whether it’s country, pop, or good old rock and roll. One rider swears by blasting Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” before every run. It puts her in the zone and loosens the nerves. Find your soundtrack and let it set the tone.
10. Visualize Your Success
Mental imagery is a powerful tool in sports psychology. Before each run, close your eyes and picture the perfect ride. Feel the rhythm, see the turns, and hear the crowd. A rider once told me that the more vividly she imagined her best run, the more likely it was to happen. Your brain responds to mental reps, so give it a winning script.
Bring One Of These To Your Barrel Racing Life
Positivity in barrel racing isn’t about pretending every ride is flawless. It’s about choosing to see the lessons, honor the effort, and celebrate the joy of the ride — no matter the outcome. These ten strategies are simple to try but powerful in practice. Whether you adopt just one or all ten, you’ll start to notice a shift in how you approach not only your rides but your days.
Now it’s your turn. What do you do to stay positive in your barrel racing life? Share your story in the comments — your words could be the spark someone else needs today.
Let’s keep the good vibes going, one turn at a time.
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