Riding Against The Odds

Rachel Fenske
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Talking about overcoming challenges from life, rodeo, and everything in between. As well as tying in tips for rodeo and barrel racing, daily life as a rodeo student athlete, and learning things together along the way! linktr.ee/Rfr_rodeo

  1. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    Spooks, Shadows & Saddle Stories: A Horse Girl's Halloween

    It's spooky season, and we're bringing a little Halloween magic to the barn! Have you ever had your horse spook at something that absolutely wasn't there? Heard a strange noise in the barn after dark? Had a ride go completely sideways for no reason you could explain? Or heard one of those creepy horse stories that makes you think twice before walking into the barn alone? This Halloween, we're talking about all things spooky in the horse world! In this special episode, we're covering: Creepy barn stories and unexplained horse behavior Why horses spook at the most ridiculous things The classic midnight barn-check experience Barrel racing superstitions and competition-day rituals Funny and frightening horse-owner experiences Halloween safety for horses, riders, and barn decorations Whether you're riding under the arena lights, checking horses after dark, or convinced your horse has seen a ghost in the corner of the barn, this episode is for you! Grab your favorite fall drink, get cozy, and come hang out for a Halloween episode full of horse-girl chaos, spooky stories, and a few laughs. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  2. Oct 23

    Magnetic Sheets & Other Therapies: What Helps and What's Hype?

    Magnetic blankets. PEMF machines. Massage guns. Ice boots. Red light therapy. Ceramic-lined sheets. The horse industry is full of products promising better performance, faster recovery, and improved comfort. But which therapies actually have evidence behind them, and which ones rely mostly on testimonials and marketing? In this episode, we're taking a balanced look at some of the most popular recovery and wellness therapies in the horse world. We'll discuss magnetic sheets, PEMF, massage, stretching, heat therapy, and cold therapy while exploring what current research supports, what remains uncertain, and how owners can make smarter decisions before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Because at the end of the day, no therapy can replace proper nutrition, conditioning, hoof care, veterinary care, and good management. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  3. Oct 16

    You're Working Hard but Still Struggling in the Arena

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right, working harder than ever, spending more time at the barn, riding more, practicing more, and yet your results aren't changing? The truth is that effort alone doesn't guarantee progress. In this episode, we're talking about three uncomfortable reasons riders stay stuck: following the wrong training plan, under-fueling their bodies, and mistaking activity for actual progress. We'll discuss why riding alone doesn't build complete athleticism, why many riders are accidentally sabotaging their performance through nutrition, and why "just working harder" isn't always the answer. Because sometimes the problem isn't your effort. Sometimes the problem is the system you're using. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  4. Oct 9

    Warm-Up Pen Etiquette: How to Avoid Collisions

    Every rider in the warm-up pen is trying to prepare for their run, but when communication breaks down, accidents happen fast. In this episode, we're talking about warm-up pen etiquette: the unwritten rules that keep horses and riders safe. From passing correctly and calling your direction changes to understanding your horse's behavior around others, we'll cover the habits that can prevent near-misses and serious accidents. Because a warm-up pen isn't just about preparing your horse, it's about sharing space responsibly with everyone around 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  5. Oct 2

    Lunging: Why It Can Do More Harm Than Good

    Lunging is one of the most common tools in the horse world. At nearly every horse show, you'll see horses running circles before riders ever get in the saddle. But is all that lunging actually helping? In this episode, we discuss the benefits of lunging, the physical strain circles place on a horse's body, why lunging is often mistaken for conditioning, and how excessive lunging can contribute to both physical and mental burnout. We'll also cover alternatives that build better horses while reducing unnecessary wear and tear. Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your horse is stop making them run in circles. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  6. Sep 25

    Overtraining: When More Work Starts Making You Worse

    In the horse world, hard work is often celebrated. More rides. More drills. More exhibitions. More miles. More competitions.But what happens when more work actually starts making you worse? In this episode, we're talking about overtraining, what it is, why it happens, and how it affects both horses and riders. We'll discuss the difference between fitness and fatigue, the warning signs of overtraining, why recovery is a critical part of every training program, and how pushing harder isn't always the answer. Because fitness isn't built by how much work you can survive. It's built by how much work you can recover from. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  7. Sep 18

    Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Horses: Where Is the Line?

    When does veterinary treatment become performance enhancement? Where is the line between helping a horse recover and helping a horse compete when it shouldn't?In this episode, we're tackling one of the most controversial topics in the horse industry: performance-enhancing drugs. We'll discuss the difference between legitimate veterinary care and performance enhancement, why masking pain can create bigger problems, the ethical responsibilities we have to our horses, and why long-term soundness should always matter more than short-term success. Because the goal shouldn't be to make horses capable of competing today. The goal should be to keep them healthy enough to compete tomorrow. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

  8. Sep 11

    Training Advice: Why Consistency Beats Complexity

    Every rider wants the secret to better runs, softer horses, and more consistency in the arena. But what if the answer isn't a new bit, a new drill, or a completely different training method? In this episode, we're talking about why most training problems come from weak foundations rather than a lack of advanced maneuvers. We'll discuss consistency, pressure and release, the importance of transitions and basic exercises, and how learning to read your horse can transform your training. Because the horses that look impressive in competition were built through countless hours of simple, boring, consistent work. 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 BuckedUp using code RachelF10, and Swingn9t 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!

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About

Talking about overcoming challenges from life, rodeo, and everything in between. As well as tying in tips for rodeo and barrel racing, daily life as a rodeo student athlete, and learning things together along the way! linktr.ee/Rfr_rodeo

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Fenske
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Fenske
  • Show Website
    Riding Against The Odds