Riding Against The Odds

Performance-Enhancing Drugs in the Horse World- Where Do We Draw The Line?

From Lasix and pain-masking medications to the pressure to stay competitive, this episode dives into the ethical side of equine sports and why conditioning, horsemanship, and long-term horse welfare should matter more than quick fixes. In this episode I discuss: • The difference between veterinary care and performance enhancement • How drugs can compromise fair competition • Why conditioning matters more than people realize • The “pipe” analogy that changed how I view fitness vs medication • The long-term consequences of pushing horses past their limits • Why protecting the horse should always come first Links & Resources: * Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content * also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress’n using code Rfr_rodeo, Rocket Donkey and Bucked Up using code RachelF10, and Swingin9t using code RachelFenske14 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your rodeo friends! Got a question or topic you'd love to hear about? Send me an email at rachelfenske1@gmail.com  See you next week! Keep those barrels tight and your dreams big!

How to Know When a Horse Is Trying Their Best

Not every horse shows effort the same way. Some horses are naturally flashy and intense. Others stay quiet, reserved, or unsure, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. In this episode I discuss: • The difference between confusion, pain, fear, and disobedience • Why some horses try hard even when the result isn’t perfect • How unrealistic expectations damage trust • Learning to reward small improvements and honest effort • Why patience and consistency matter in training • Building confidence in horses that are still learning Links & Resources: * Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content * also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress’n using code Rfr_rodeo, Rocket Donkey and Bucked Up using code RachelF10, and Swingin9t using code RachelFenske14 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your rodeo friends! Got a question or topic you'd love to hear about? Send me an email at rachelfenske1@gmail.com  See you next week! Keep those barrels tight and your dreams big!

The Truth About Training Without a Trainer

Training without a trainer isn’t easy, and it’s not talked about enough. When you don’t have guidance, every decision is on you. The good and the bad. In this episode, I cover: • The reality of learning through trial and error • The pressure of making your own training decisions • How to grow and improve without constant guidance If you’re figuring it out as you go, this one’s for you. Links & Resources: * Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content * also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress’n using code Rfr_rodeo, Rocket Donkey and Bucked Up using code RachelF10, and Swingin9t using code RachelFenske14 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your rodeo friends! Got a question or topic you'd love to hear about? Send me an email at rachelfenske1@gmail.com  See you next week! Keep those barrels tight and your dreams big!

Owning a Horse That Wasn’t Made for Barrel Racing

Not every barrel horse was bred to be one. Some of us start with what we have, not what’s “ideal.” And sometimes, those horses teach us more than the “perfect” ones ever could. In this episode, I talk about: • What it’s really like training a horse that wasn’t built for barrels • The challenges no one talks about, mentally and physically • Why these horses can make you a better rider in the long run This one’s for anyone making it work with what they’ve got Links & Resources: * Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content * also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress’n using code Rfr_rodeo, Rocket Donkey and Bucked Up using code RachelF10, and Swingin9t using code RachelFenske14 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your rodeo friends! Got a question or topic you'd love to hear about? Send me an email at rachelfenske1@gmail.com  See you next week! Keep those barrels tight and your dreams big!

Lasix in the Horse World – Conditioning vs. Medication

Lasix is one of the most controversial medications in the horse world, but are we talking enough about conditioning? In this episode, I break down: • What Lasix actually does • Why some horses bleed during exercise • The difference between managing a horse and masking a problem • Why conditioning matters more than people realize • The pipe analogy that completely changed how I understood Lasix and performance horses • Why some countries, including Brazil, have banned Lasix in competition due to concerns about its effects This isn’t about judgment. It’s about education, horsemanship, and learning to support horses the right way. Links & Resources: * Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content * also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress’n using code Rfr_rodeo, Rocket Donkey and Bucked Up using code RachelF10, and Swingin9t using code RachelFenske14 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your rodeo friends! Got a question or topic you'd love to hear about? Send me an email at rachelfenske1@gmail.com  See you next week! Keep those barrels tight and your dreams big!