Rachel Fenske

Riding Against The Odds

Society EN ↓ 58 episodes

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

Author

Rachel Fenske

Category

Society

Podcast website

linktr.ee

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Learning to Ride for Yourself, Not the Crowd 10.07.2026

In a world full of opinions, social media, pressure, and competition, it’s easy to forget why you started riding in the first place. This episode is about learning how to stop performing for everyone else and reconnect with riding for yourself again. Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes content also visit our sponsors Tacktical and Ranch Dress...

Rebuilding Confidence After a Setback 26.06.2026

Sometimes one moment changes the way you see yourself. And suddenly something that once felt natural starts feeling terrifying. In this episode, I talk about the emotional side of rebuilding confidence after setbacks, because losing confidence doesn’t always happen loudly. Sometimes it happens quietly in hesitation, overthinking, and fear nobody else notices. We discuss: • How setbacks affect your...

The Role of Nutrition in Barrel Racing Performance & Longevity 19.06.2026

Nutrition is one of the most overlooked parts of the horse world, but it impacts everything from stamina and recovery to soundness and longevity. In this episode of Riding Against the Odds, I dive into: • How nutrition affects barrel racing performance • Why forage and hydration matter more than people realize • The connection between feeding, injury prevention, and recovery • Why more supplements...

Performance-Enhancing Drugs in the Horse World- Where Do We Draw The Line? 12.06.2026

From Lasix and pain-masking medications to the pressure to stay competitive, this episode dives into the ethical side of equine sports and why conditioning, horsemanship, and long-term horse welfare should matter more than quick fixes. In this episode I discuss: • The difference between veterinary care and performance enhancement • How drugs can compromise fair competition • Why conditioning matte...

How to Know When a Horse Is Trying Their Best 05.06.2026

Not every horse shows effort the same way. Some horses are naturally flashy and intense. Others stay quiet, reserved, or unsure, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. In this episode I discuss: • The difference between confusion, pain, fear, and disobedience • Why some horses try hard even when the result isn’t perfect • How unrealistic expectations damage trust • Learning to reward small impr...

The Truth About Training Without a Trainer 29.05.2026

Training without a trainer isn’t easy, and it’s not talked about enough. When you don’t have guidance, every decision is on you. The good and the bad. In this episode, I cover: • The reality of learning through trial and error • The pressure of making your own training decisions • How to grow and improve without constant guidance If you’re figuring it out as you go, this one’s for you. Links &...

Owning a Horse That Wasn’t Made for Barrel Racing 22.05.2026

Not every barrel horse was bred to be one. Some of us start with what we have, not what’s “ideal.” And sometimes, those horses teach us more than the “perfect” ones ever could. In this episode, I talk about: • What it’s really like training a horse that wasn’t built for barrels • The challenges no one talks about, mentally and physically • Why these horses can make you a better rider in the long r...

Lasix in the Horse World – Conditioning vs. Medication 15.05.2026

Lasix is one of the most controversial medications in the horse world, but are we talking enough about conditioning? In this episode, I break down: • What Lasix actually does • Why some horses bleed during exercise • The difference between managing a horse and masking a problem • Why conditioning matters more than people realize • The pipe analogy that completely changed how I understood Lasix and...

What Losing Teaches You That Winning Never Will 24.04.2026

Winning feels good — but losing teaches lessons that success never could. In this episode, I talk about why setbacks build stronger riders, how failure develops resilience, and why losing might actually be the greatest gift in your rodeo career. Segments: Winning Feels Good, But It Doesn’t Always Teach The Resilience Factor Redefining Success Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and TikTo...

Handling Pressure When Everyone Is Watching 17.04.2026

Pressure feels heavier when the stands are full, the cameras are out, or the people you care about are watching. In this episode, we’re talking about how to handle performance pressure, quiet the noise, and compete for yourself — not the crowd. Segments: Why Pressure Feels So Loud Bringing It Back to the Pattern Competing for the Right Reasons Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and TikT...

Trusting Your Horse When You Don’t Trust Yourself 10.04.2026

Sometimes the hardest part of competing isn’t trusting your horse, it’s trusting yourself. In this episode, I talk about what it feels like when self-doubt creeps in, how that affects your riding, and why learning to lean on your horse can actually help rebuild your own confidence. Segments: When Self-Doubt Creeps In Letting Your Horse Meet You Halfway  Rebuilding Trust in Yourself Links & Res...

When Comparison Steals Your Joy in Rodeo 27.03.2026

The Hidden Cost of Constant Comparison How measuring yourself against others slowly drains confidence and passion. • Shifting Focus Back to Your Own Lane Why your progress, timing, and journey don’t need outside validation. • Protecting Your Joy While Chasing Big Goals Learning how to stay grounded, grateful, and motivated without losing yourself. Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and...

Confidence Isn’t Loud – How Quiet Riders Win 13.03.2026

Redefining What Confidence Really Looks Like Breaking the myth that confidence has to be loud, bold, or flashy to be effective. Letting Consistency Speak for You Why steady effort, preparation, and discipline often outperform noise and attention. Trusting Your Style in a Loud World Learning to succeed without changing who you are to fit the crowd. Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and...

Riding Through Fear – After a Bad Run or Injury 06.03.2026

Facing Fear Without Letting It Define You Exploring how fear shows up after setbacks and why acknowledging it matters more than avoiding it. Rebuilding Trust in Yourself and Your Horse The slow process of regaining confidence, communication, and belief after something goes wrong. Moving Forward Without Forgetting the Lesson How to grow from hard moments without letting them hold you back. Links &a...

Drills or Rules 27.02.2026

Good training doesn’t just happen during a run or a drill, it starts the moment you step into the saddle and continues all the way until your horse is untacked. In this episode of Riding Against the Odds , I’m breaking down the small, often overlooked moments that shape your horse’s mindset and responsiveness. We’ll talk about what you should do immediately when you get on, how to teach your horse...

Horse Training Tips 20.02.2026

Training isn’t about force, it’s about feel, timing, and understanding how your horse experiences pressure. In this episode of Riding Against the Odds , I’m sharing practical horse training tips that focus on communication, comfort, and respect. We’re talking about common issues riders face, hard-to-bridle horses, spur use, and handling split reins, and how small adjustments can completely change...

Fly Season Must Haves 13.02.2026

From long days at the arena to hauling and rodeo weekends, we’re talking about what actually works, not just what looks good on the shelf. In this episode, we cover: How to choose the right fly spray for your horse Sweat-proof vs. water-proof sprays and which bugs each targets Fly boots and masks: when they’re worth it and how to get the right fit Managing sensitive horses and preventing rubs Bug-...

Why are Age and Events Important for a Barrel Horse 06.02.2026

Whether you’re shopping for a youth horse, a confidence-builder, or your next competition partner, knowing what to ask and how to read between the lines can save you from costly mistakes. In this episode, we cover: Why a seller’s ownership timeline matters more than people think How a horse’s age affects temperament, reliability, and suitability for different riders The importance of understanding...

The Future is Yours – Dreaming Bigger Than Ever 30.01.2026

Overview: No matter where you come from, the future is what you make it. In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far, share my biggest dreams for the future, and encourage listeners to think even bigger. Segments: Looking back on how far I’ve come My biggest dreams & next steps How to keep pushing for bigger goals Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for b...

Finding Your People – Building a Support System for Big Goals 23.01.2026

Overview: Big dreams require a strong support system. In this episode, I talk about how to find people who support your goals, deal with negativity, and build a community that lifts you. Segments: The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people How to find mentors & supportive friends Dealing with an unsupportive family or friends Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and...

The Road Less Traveled – Chasing a Unique Career Path 16.01.2026

Overview: Not every dream fits into a traditional career path. Whether it’s rodeo, equine vet school, or entrepreneurship, this episode is about taking the unconventional route and embracing the journey. Segments: Why traditional paths aren’t for everyone The challenges of choosing a non-traditional career How to create your opportunities Advice for anyone considering a unique career path Links &a...

Finding Your Rodeo Community – Building a Support System 09.01.2026

Welcome to the New Year, riders! No one succeeds in rodeo alone. In this episode, I share how I’ve found my support system, from mentors to friends, and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. I want to take a second to celebrate something HUGE with you all. In 2025,  Riding Against the Odds  hit some insane milestones. We made  Top 10 for 11 fans ,  Top 5 for 9 fa...

Chasing Gold Buckles – My Big Goals & What’s Next 19.12.2025

In this episode, I get personal about my biggest rodeo goals, the road ahead, and what I hope to accomplish both in and out of the arena. Segments: Why setting big goals is important My long-term rodeo dreams The challenges I know I’ll face along the way Encouragement for others chasing their rodeo dreams Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Rfr_rodeo for behind-the-scenes c...

The Freedom of Being a Lone Rider 12.12.2025

Something is empowering about being independent. In this episode, I reflect on my journey so far, the lessons I’ve learned, and why being independent is one of the most freeing experiences. Segments: The advantages of being a lone rider Lessons I’ve learned from my independent journey What’s next for me & Riding Against the Odds Encouragement for others forging their path Thank you for getting...

When You Have to Be Your Own Biggest Supporter 05.12.2025

Not everyone will believe in your dreams, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth chasing. In this episode, I talk about self-belief, handling doubt, and pushing forward when no one else sees your vision. Segments: The importance of believing in yourself first How to deal with doubters & negativity Finding confidence when no one else supports your dreams Links & Resources: Follow me on Ins...

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