Behind the Curtain:
whAt goes on in the wArm uP Pen?
As a lifelong competitor, one of my favorite parts of
attending elite events is behind the scenes. I've always
appreciated observing how the best in the business
operate. After the Royal Crown in Rock Springs, Wyoming,
I wanted to share some of my biggest takeaways from the
week.
One of the most unique things about barrel racing is the
way all levels of competitors associate. While the average
enthusiast wouldn't typically golf in a tournament with
Tiger Woods, any barrel racer could run in the same race
as Kassie Mowry, Brandon Cullins, or Jolene Montgomery,
just to name a few.
For quite a long time, I didn't realize how unusual this
was. In any other professional sport, we are very separate
from the athletes. We don't get a lot of insight about how
they do what they do. In barrel racing, anyone can be
stalled in the same row and warm up in the same arena as
the highest money earning riders and trainers.
Something that left the biggest impression on me
occurred while watching one of the most elite trainers our
industry will ever see. I had been in and out of the "jackpot
arena" in Rock Springs several times, exercising my own
horses and noting how others worked theirs. I had seen
a variety of training styles and methods, but this trainer
stood out to me.
He was on a horse that was clearly young and a bit
fractious. I could tell what he was trying to achieve and
it just seemed to be a struggle that day. Rather than
scolding, the trainer remained consistent with his cues,
never escalating the situation. He was clear about what
he wanted and gave the horse every opportunity to think
through what he was asking for.
Despite the trainer's patience, the horse was still
struggling to settle into work. Then the trainer did
something completely unexpected (at least, to me). He
quietly stopped and gave the horse a minute to just take
a breath. Eventually, with a few of these breaks, they
were able to work through the issue. The horse's entire
presence changed.
I had a brief exchange with the trainer about which one
By Teal Stoll
Teal Stoll competing at the Spring Fling in 2024. Photo Credit: Clinton Foster.
An Insider's View of the Royal Crown An Insider's View of the Royal Crown
