I started riding at a very young age. My dad ran cows on the reservation and from the stories he tells, he brought me along with him quite a bit. All my siblings rodeoed – my brother rode Broncs and team roped while both of my sisters roped, and goat tied. Let’s just say I was born into rodeo riding sheep, calves, steers and onto riding bulls. I been competing since I was 1 but professionally about 8 years now. My first pro rodeo win ever was a decent rodeo in Beaumont, TX and I remember that feeling like it was yesterday! My most memorable win was in 2020 at the Calgary Stampede. We had to jump through a lot of hoops that year, but it definitely was worth it. When they told me I could take the trophy Bronz with me I was so shocked on how heavy it was! When I was able to get my hands under it to pick it up. I think it’s really important to keep your horse / horses in the best shape possible. They’re athletes too and very strong animals they are tougher than a person thinks. When we are traveling this hard the countless hours in the trailer, if they are in shape, it won’t be so hard on them. That all being said I try to exercise my horses every day, I long Trot 5-6 min each way and walk them out for a good 10 min or until they are not breathing hard. I think I’ve been blessed with horses that love their job so it’s easy to keep them eager. It also reflects on how good of shape they are in and how good of a diet you have them on. If a horse is burnt out or blown up it could be two separate things: A burnt-out horse could be simply the horse has been used hard and has now become a lot slower and is not as strong or quick as they use to be. A blown-up horse could take some time with slow box work and making the box a fun place and not a prison for them Weekly therapy I like to do is getting them out of their stall and move them around, pretty much get them moving/exercise. I like to use my Bemer blanket 3 times a week when I am home and dang near every day when I’m on the road. In the practice pen I like to go with a purpose if it’s something in my bull dogging or is it slow working horses to keep them sound in the box. I always try to start on my young ones first and finish with my better horse last.
Stetson rides in:
1″ x 32″ x 32″ 5 Star Performer pad
5 Star Patriot Sport Boots
5 Star Shield Bell Boots
by Alissa Burson
