How to Know When a Horse Is Trying Their Best

Rebuilding Confidence After a Setback

Sometimes one moment changes the way you see yourself. And suddenly something that once felt natural starts feeling terrifying. In this episode, I talk about the emotional side of rebuilding confidence after setbacks, because losing confidence doesn’t always happen loudly. Sometimes it happens quietly in hesitation, overthinking, and fear nobody else notices. We discuss: • How setbacks affect your identity as a rider • The silent fear that follows difficult experiences • Why confidence is not the absence of fear • Rebuilding trust in yourself one small moment at a time • Learning to stop punishing yourself for being human • Carrying lessons forward without letting them control your future Confidence rarely returns all at once. 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

The Role of Nutrition in Barrel Racing Performance & Longevity

Nutrition is one of the most overlooked parts of the horse world, but it impacts everything from stamina and recovery to soundness and longevity. In this episode of Riding Against the Odds, I dive into: • How nutrition affects barrel racing performance • Why forage and hydration matter more than people realize • The connection between feeding, injury prevention, and recovery • Why more supplements doesn’t always mean better • The importance of individualized feeding programs • How nutrition supports long-term equine health and soundness 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!

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!