Master the Basics:
In goat tying, everyone always wants a faster run. Many competitors spend hours practicing runs, but the athletes who consistently win understand one important truth: speed is built on fundamentals. Wether you are just starting out or chasing a 5 second run, mastering the basics will always produce better results than simply making more runs.
In this article, we’ll break down the five fundamentals that every successful goat tyers focuses on.
1. Your Mental Preparation Matters!
Before you ever run down the alley or nod your head, the run starts in your mind. Top competitors visualize every part of their run- from the position of your horse to the tie. Confidence comes from preparation, not luck.
Ask yourself:
- What is my goal during practice today?
- What is one thing I want to improve?
- Can I visualize a smooth, successful run?
2. How You Start Your Horse Matters!
Many times more than not, I find girls errors starting in the alley way. Most are unsure of where to position their horse going to the stake. They are either too far left, too far right, or simply unsure of the goats pattern. The secret is simple- if we are unaware of what are goats pattern may be, position your horse just a tad to the right of the stake. If we know the goats know pattern, we are more likely to predict a where they are going. Therefore, we are able to give a little more lead way and cheat the system. For example, when we leave the alley way, most goats are let go at the timer. If the goat is known to go right, you would set your horse up as far right in the alley way as you can. If the goat is known to stay straight, or left, you would be able to move your horse closer to the stake.
When in doubt set your horse up a little to the right of the stake!
Show Yourself:
- The set up of the arena
- Where the stake is positioned in the alley way
- Know your stock, set your run up.
3. Correct Position Creates Speed.
In a perfect world, every goat tyer wants to step off of our horse as fast as they can without taking a bad step. Unfortunately that’s not always going to happen! Fixing our mistakes on the fly and staying in the present moment are a skill that elite tyers have created. So how do we do this? We get gritty, we learn correct fundamentals to save ourselves without even realizing it, and trust ourselves not to give up just because things aren’t perfect in the moment. Some of my fastest runs have not been pitch perfect, they come from fighting through the whole run.
Remember:
- Keep moving your feet no matter what
- Stay in a square and forward athletic position through your dismount
- It’s not over until the fat lady sings!
4. Repetition with Purpose
Making runs over and over again doesn’t guarantee improvement. Quality repetitions matter more than quantity.
Instead of asking:
”How many runs did I make today?”
Ask:
”What area did I improve on today?” “Did I fix what I was struggling on today?”
Break your practice into smaller steps:
- Just approaching the goat
- Just flanking the goat
- Tying
- Dismounts
- Do these in sets of 3 or 5. Slow or fast
5. Finish EVERY Run Strong!
If you quit during practice, you will quit in the arena!! Practice like you compete- finish every run no matter what. My biggest pet peeve as a coach is seeing girls quit when things aren’t perfect. The most gritty and competitive girls win because they fight through mistakes and finish their run. No matter if you fall, miss a first wrap, or approach the goat wrong- practicing through these mistakes can be the difference between winning or placing.
Practice:
- Different scenarios where things aren’t set up perfect
- Fighting through every run during practice
- Disciplining yourself if you make a mistake
Champions understand that the run isn’t over until they cross the finish line.
Final Thoughts:
The difference between average and elite goat tyers is rarely talent alone. It’s discipline, consistency, and a commitment to mastering fundamentals. If you focus on improving these five areas everyday, you will build the foundation needed to compete at the highest level.
Remember: Fast times don’t come from shortcuts. They come from mastering the basics, fighting through mistakes, and staying in the present moment.
Author: Mersadie Martin