My favorite quote, by Sandra Bullock, comes from my favorite movie, Hope Floats. It goes a little something like this, “Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance…”
At some point, we have all started at square one of becoming a horseman/woman. Learning everything from how to properly feed, saddle, ride and care for a horse. Some started as early as one, others started at eighty. We all had a beginning, we all had a dream. There was something inside of us that yearned for late nights in an arena, early mornings on the road to the next barrel race and finally placing at a rodeo that you and your horse worked hard for.
The beginning helped us learn the most important things, the fundamentals of becoming an accomplished rider. However, there was still a long road ahead. Some are just setting foot on this road, others have traveled it for a long time and there are those the later look up to who have almost reached the end of their journey. This is the point that counts the most; the middle.
The middle is where one falls off, gets kicked, does not “click” with a horse, loses and wins; it is where character is built and where the lessons learned become part of who a person is. As Bricklee Miller would say, “it’s not all peaches and cream.”
Bricklee began riding at a very young age and has since become very knowledgeable of what it takes to be an accomplished rider. After twelve years of hard work and dedication, Bricklee filled her Women’s Professional Rodeo Association card. She competed on different horses and finally found one that has brought her great joy and victories in the past couple of months.
She purchased Smart Little Floyd (Floyd) from NFR qualifier, Judy Myllymaki, when Floyd was seven years old. However, she sold him and began riding other prospects. Two years later, when the opportunity presented itself for Bricklee to buy back Floyd she jumped right on it.
Timing is an essential part in purchasing a horse. Many people have had their hands on great horses and something just was not right; then later on the person and the horse reconnect and form one awesome team! Never give up on finding a horse suitable to you. It’s ok to start back at square one to determine exactly what you are looking for.
When Bricklee and Floyd became a team again she noticed the consistency he always gave in and out of the arena. She shared a few great tips that work for Floyd and can also help with other horses. The first and most important, “treat a horse like a horse.”
While there are great methods to improving the overall health of a horse, their speed, agility, turns and other issues, simply allowing a horse time to be what it is meant to be is by far the best therapy any horse can receive.
Horses can become tired and burned out of what they are trained to do. Weekend after weekend they are hauled to many different places. Just like human athletes, they should be taken care of through exercise and a good diet program . Bricklee keeps Floyd in top condition in between runs by turning him out into a pasture, lightly exercising him to keep him loose and has him on a feeding program that is designed to keep him in the best shape.
Supplements, vet check ups and joint, ligament and muscle care are very important in keeping one’s horse in the greatest health and shape. Bricklee uses a daily supplement with Floyd. These supplements come as all in one formulas, joint/ligament health, hoof health, muscle building and other great formulas to improve your horse’s overall well being. Bricklee also uses a Theraplate for Floyd. Theraplate is uses wave circulation stimulation technology to reduce and counteract various forms of inflammation in a horse. Another great product that Bricklee and Where 2 Barrel Race recommend is a 5 Star saddle pad. These 100% wool pads are able to wick away moisture and also helps limit soreness by making sure the pad is a proper fit for each horse.
“Conditions change and horses change, just like we do,” said Bricklee. It is important to know your horse well enough in order to change exercise and diet plans. This is also important in competition.
Each arena and rodeo is different. Bricklee said it is very important to know what is best for your horse and to not just go to any rodeo. She said Floyd enjoys and competes well in larger arenas.
Competing at an arena for the first time can make a rider a little nervous. Bricklee prepares for her runs by watching the first couple of riders and then having a game plan of what she can do to help Floyd run his best. Her husband and friends always record Floyd and Bricklee’s runs. Being able to review each run and see what improvements can be made in the future is a great way to make positive changes to a run.
Consistency is key to any achievement; but don’t be afraid to make changes and take advice from those who you trust and look up to in the barrel racing world. Remember, they have been on the road for a while. Bricklee along with many other barrel racers share the same advice, “to never give up, to keep going.”
No matter what you want to accomplish this year in barrel racing or rodeo, keep moving forward. Defy the odds, give hope a chance and enjoy the lessons learned and the journey! You’re in for a great ride.
Bricklee Miller and husband, Donnie, reside in Starkville, Mississippi. She manages the Mississippi Horse Park where many great equine events and barrel races are held.
About the blogger: Channing Boone
Channing grew up in south Mississippi and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in News Journalism and Strategic Communications from the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas. She has found a way to combine two of her greatest passions in life, rodeo/barrel racing and writing!