With rodeos ending suddenly, and many still continue to cancel, 2019 USTRC 11.5 Ladies Champion, Ms. Martha Angelone is not letting it slow her down. She has been jackpotting… Virtually!
COVID-19 took Martha out of work, so she has been taking in young horses and bought a few more to train, so she can run on them when things return to normal.
“What tips have you found helpful for training your horses?”
Martha Angelone: “I find it very helpful to rope the RopeSmart calf roping sled, rope slow calves, pen rope, and alleyway rope. The more you do on your young horses and good horses the more they will adapt to every situation they will be put in.
At home, set up a barrier sometimes and help improve on yourself with reading different starts on different calves. Every little thing will make a huge difference in the end.”
“What are your biggest struggles in the arena?”
MA: “My biggest struggle in the arena is pushing and going at things way too fast.
I constantly tell myself to focus on my horse more and set them up for success, as well. In the practice pen, I feel like taking rodeo shots are very useful to you, but for your horse not so much. So, you have to take time to accomplish both throughout the week. Strive to make it where your horse is always comfortable during the run.
Also, I always struggled with being the girl from back east that was trying to make it out here with all the ‘big dogs’. I had to learn no matter where you are from as long as you work your butt off you will succeed at your goals and your dreams can become reality if you keep striving for them.”
“Who are your life and roping influences?”
MA: “The people I look up to the most in the rodeo world are Lari Dee Guy, Beverly Robbins and Jordan Fabrizio.
No matter what, they always have a smile on their face and show positivity to everybody. Their roping ability is at the top in everything they do and they won’t hesitate to help you if you ask them a question. I really truly look up to that and want to be that person for someone else one day.”
“Walk us through your step by step routine for an average day in the arena”
MA:“My everyday routine starts out with my young horses everyday. It doesn’t matter if they are outside horses or ones I personally own, I saddle them and will pen rope or alley way rope our slower calves. I feel like this helps a horse learn all the spots he/she needs to be in.
Then I’ll do slow work on them out of the chute. I’ll run a few calves for my horse then run a few for myself that way I can keep my roping sharp as well. I think it’s best to have both in your practice sessions.
Once I get done with all of them, I’ll work on my good horses and keeping them freed up and honest throughout my delivery. I will rope a few for me as I do on my young ones but I’ll kick my horse out of there stop sometimes to let them stay freer then pitch my slack and stop at the end of the arena.
Also, ground work for yourself is a major key. Roping the RopeSmart dummy different ways every time will help your rope handling ability once you get on your horse as well.”
“Thank you for your time! Is there anything else you would like to highlight?”
MA: “I just want to say thank you to all my sponsors for supporting me and trusting in my ability to represent their company – RopeSmart, Classic Ropes, & Capital Hatters. Thank you to my family and friends for always pushing me farther and harder. Lastly, thank you to the Lord for letting me be able to compete in such a great sport. I’m truly blessed to be a part of this lifestyle.”
Stay up to date with Martha along the road by following @RopeSmart on Facebook and Instagram!
#RopeRealWin
