Daily Archives: May 7, 2009

On The Rodeo Road sits down with Amber Mostoller and talks about preparing for the rodeo season, both mentally and physically….

Amber, tell me what you do to prepare for the next rodeo season, do you ride colts, or take time off all together?  I always have something to ride, whether it is the open horse I am running at the time or some outside horses to ride and sell for customers.  I think I would go crazy out of my mind if I didn’t have something to ride.

In that time off, do you give your horses off completely, or do you still ride on a regular schedule? If so, what does that schedule look like? do you use this time for tuning, or just letting them get some daily exercise?  The last few years I have been selling a lot of horses, so I really haven’t had anything longer than a year to give them time off.  In general I try to ride at least 3 or 4 days a week if I am going to a show or rodeo on the weekend.  Seasoned barrel horses that I take in for customers rarely see the barrels when I have them except to run.  Now if there is something I do not like that they are doing on the pattern I might work them a couple days to get them right again.

 How long out do you begin working them again, for the rodeo season?  Each horse is different but 30 days is always a good policy for horses that have been off for an extended period of time.  If they are not in proper shape to perform you run the risk of them pulling something.  It would be like you trying to run the 200 meter sprint without working up to it.

Amber, mentally what are you doing to keep your mind right? Are you going to jackpots, or just taking some time off all together?  I would go to something every day of the week if I could I am really enjoying having other horses in to run b/c it allows me to go as much as I want without having to wear out one or two horses.

Do you do anything to physically prepare for the season, since your horses are getting in shape, do you do something physical as well?  I enjoy working out and staying in shape on a regular basis.  The better in shape I am as a jockey, the better my balance and riding is which allows my horses to work better.  I was a runner in high school and like to lift weights now as well as keeping up with my cardio.

As far as your rig, and getting it ready to hit the road, what is your routine?  WELL I just purchased  ”a new to me” truck.  It is a 2000 F350 and I love it.  Memphis also enjoys the luxury of having a backseat to sleep in which he owns going up and down the road.  I am kind of a tire FREAK and check the pressure in my trailer and truck tires before every trip.  My truck and trailer also enjoy an acid wash every few months to keep it looking pretty   The trailer is pretty easy to maintain I have the bearings checked regularly and my truck gets the routine oil changes as well.

Thanks so much Amber for sitting down and answering our questions. Good luck!!!