The Long Game: Planning for Generations, Not Just Seasons
- afenner
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
In the fast-paced world of rodeo and horse sales, it’s tempting to focus on the short term:
The next big win.
The next big cross.
The next big payday.
But at Rad Rodeo, we’re not just building for next season. We’re building for generations.
Because when you build for the long game, every decision — from breeding to buying to parenting — looks a little different.
We’re Not Breeding for Fads
It’s easy to chase what’s hot right now. But we ask ourselves:
Will this horse still be sound and sane at 10, 15, or even 20?
Would we want our grandkids to ride one like this?
Does this cross make sense beyond the hype?
Trends come and go. Legacy lasts.
Our Kids Are Watching — and Learning
The colts we raise today? Our kids might be hauling them in five years.
The values we model today? Our kids will carry them into their own barns and programs someday.
So we:
Involve them in the breeding decisions.
Let them halter break and train young ones.
Show them what it means to care for something for the long haul.
We’re not just building a program. We’re building people.
Slow Isn’t a Problem — It’s a Plan
We don’t rush colts. We don’t push kids. We don’t try to do everything in one year.
Instead, we:
Keep soundness and longevity at the forefront.
Focus on well-rounded training, not shortcuts.
Make room for rest, growth, and real learning.
Because burnout — for horses or humans — doesn’t fit in our blueprint.
Land, Bloodlines, and Legacy
We think about what we’ll hand down:
A breeding program with integrity.
Horses that hold value for more than their papers.
A reputation our family can be proud of.
That means doing things right, even when no one’s watching — because our name will still be on it long after we’re gone.
Final Thoughts
At Rad Rodeo, we don’t just chase buckles — we plant roots.
Because real success isn’t measured in how fast you climb. It’s in how well you build — so the next generation has a place to stand.
That’s the long game. And we’re all in.
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Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
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