The Best Website for Barrel Racers! March/April 2008 Newsletter A Happy Rider Want to try something new? Go to a Connie Combs Barrel Racing clinic! Have you ever been to a rodeo and watched girl after girl thunder in the arena and thought how easy it is to run those horses around three, little, barrels? I mean really the barrels don’t even move. Come on I could buy a fast horse that can lope a circle and heck we should have it made. Sign me up for a rodeo card because I am ready to collect some of those checks. When you feel this way it is a great time to take a barrel racing clinic and you will learn as did I that there is years of work, time, specific steps, and technique that go into every horse and rider that takes a spin around those barrels. I recently had the much enjoyed opportunity to participate in a Connie Combs barrel racing clinic. The first thing I learned after we had to make a run at 9:00 am on the first day is that it looks a lot easier than it is. Even with a well broke reining horse that has also been shown in trail, western pleasure, and working cow horse, barrel racing proved to be a whole new challenge. I was very fortunate that a friend told me that Connie’s clinic is “A Must” if you are going to learn to be a barrel racer and so I signed up. That first day at 9:00am when she said make a run, and I wanted to ask “to where?” Instead I thought I better get it out of the way right off the bat, I have no idea how to make a run but I want to learn. She was so gracious and warm that I immediately felt relaxed and not at all intimidated by her wealth of knowledge and my lack of it. I have been to many clinics for horsemanship, reining, cutting and working cow horse, over the years and I have been taught by some great clinicians but in my opinion, Connie is one of the best. She treats everyone equal with her time and her graciousness from the green rider to the seasoned barrel racer. She is very approachable and has a positive, encouraging attitude. No question is a stupid one and she will take all the time it takes to get you through a problem. When talking to her you see that twinkle in her blue eyes that just starts to dance, and you feel the energy she has and her zest for life. She just exudes kindness and a genuine love of people and horses, but she makes no false statements. She never just blames the horse for bad behavior instead she finds the root of the issue to fix the behavior. I was very impressed by this part of her clinic because continually monitoring all the horses’ emotions, and mental and physical states. Even though we needed to learn how to run a good pattern, we also needed to learn to respect and truly understand our horses and what was happening with THEM. Connie has a vast knowledge about horses that includes picking up on veterinary issues with your horse, biting issues, and saddle fitting problems and believe it or not these talents are not possessed by all trainers and clinicians. I could go on and on about all the great things I learned at this Connie Combs Barrel Racing clinic, but you would get tired of reading it, so I will end with this. God gave us Connie to appreciate these beautiful animals we are lucky enough to consider partners in any discipline. She is truly a horsewoman who cares about the horse, and cares about teaching us to do right by our horses so they can do a great job for us. She has a heart filled with love and is generous in sharing it. She is truly a gift to people and to our beloved horses. Shelley Clarke Features Upcoming Clinics Bit of the Month Earn Extra Cash for Barrel Racing! UPCOMING CLINICS Walla Walla, WA ~ March 1 & 2 Waco, Texas ~ March 8 & 9 Louisburg, Kansas ~ March 15 & 16 Edmonton, Alberta ~ March 18-22 Beggs. Oklahoma ~ March 29 & 30 Mt View, Missouri ~ April 5 & 6 Bainbridge, OH ~ April 12 & 13 Baton Rouge, LA ~ April 19 & 20 Hawkinsville, GA ~ April 26 & 27 Sioux Falls, SD ~ May 3 & 4 Comanche, OK ~ May 10 & 11 More dates will be added to the calendar!       If you haven't attended a Connie Combs clinic, what are you waiting for?   Affordable Equine- A complete line of Western Tack and Equipment.   Bit of the Month Connie's Double O (mouse over or click for details)  Watch for the new Horseshoe Bits!         www.ConnieCombs.com  ·   Barrel Racing Clinics   ·   www.AffordableEquine.com Copyright 2008 ConnieCombs.com All Rights Reserved.