I think it's quite common for barrel racers to get into shape to help improve their performance. After all, how many big girls to you see at the NFR?

You just need to be aware that at some point you may have to admit, that you are in shape and fit, and that is not that issue that keeps you in the middle of the pack. If you are barrel racing for fun, that may not be a major issue for you, but if you are trying to be really competitive, you may have to resort to finding another horse. Sad, I know; but at the end of the day, if you are fit and healthy, and your mount is fit and healthy, your horse may not be cut out to be a top competitor. And, if that is what you're wanting, you may need another horse or to reevaluate what it is you want from barrel racing.

Riding is one of the reason that I am losing weight as well. I would love to get back into barrel racing after several years off. I have one horse, that I think could make a pretty good barrel horse. She's the paint horse in my ticker.