Barrel racing clinic brings skills and mindset training to Oyen

By Diana Walker

From March 21 to 22, the Big Country Agricultural Society hosted WPRA/CPRA Gold Card professional barrel racer and four-time Calgary Stampede qualifier Marci Powell for a two-day clinic at the Crossroads Centre in Oyen.

Back row: from left, April Heeg, Lisa Newby (Most Improved), Hailey Parent (Rising Star), Karen Fuchs, Kenzie Neigum 2D), Kelly Neigum, Marci Powell, and Tammie Bouvier.

Front row: Heather Hammermeister, Alyssa Andersen (1D), Kiki Gaetz, Teresa Gaetz (3D), Charlee Bouchard, Emma Zerr, and Oceana Westerlund (4D).

Photo by Diana Walker

Marci shared not only her knowledge of the fundamentals of barrel racing, but also worked on the mental game with 14 aspiring riders as a published Equss award-winning and certified mindset coach.

Day 1 included learning dry-work skills to get horses limber, listening sessions and individual coaching to help each rider address problem areas.

Day 2 was packed with drills to improve timing and accuracy on the pattern, along with a mindset workshop to help riders focus and learn how to control their nerves. To be a champion, you have to think like one.

The clinic wrapped up with a jackpot where the riders applied everything they had learned. With buckles on the line, it was game on.

It was fun to see each horse-and-rider team give it their all. Overall, it was a fantastic weekend of learning and socializing.