You Can’t Pour from an Empty Bucket: Self-Care Tips for Rodeo Moms Who Do It All
- afenner
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
We joke that rodeo moms are a different breed — part chauffeur, part coach, part short-order cook, and full-time emotional support staff. We do the haulin’, the hollerin’, the horse holding, and the helping. But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:
You can’t pour from an empty bucket.
At Rad Rodeo, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that burnout doesn’t help anyone — not our kids, not our horses, and for sure not ourselves. So this one’s for the moms. The ones doing it all. The ones who need a reminder that they matter, too.
You Deserve Rest, Not Just Results
Ranch life and barrel races on weekends don’t leave much downtime. But rest doesn’t always mean taking a whole day off.
Sometimes it’s:
Ten quiet minutes before the house wakes up.
A walk around the trailer at sunset.
Saying no to one more thing that doesn’t serve your family.
You don’t have to earn your rest. You need it to keep going.
Fuel the Machine
When we say take care of your horse, we mean:
Feed it right.
Keep it hydrated.
Don’t overwork it.
Guess what? Same goes for you.
Don’t skip meals.
Keep yourself hydrated too.
Stretch. Move. Breathe.
You’re the engine of your family’s success. Keep it running strong.
Ask for Help (Seriously)
You don’t have to do this alone. Teamwork doesn’t stop in the arena.
Trade turns driving with Dad.
Let someone else glitter the horses.
Accept the dinner invite.
Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. It shows your kids that strength also means knowing your limits.
Keep a Piece for Yourself
You were someone before the kids and horses. She still matters.
Ride for yourself once in a while.
Read the book. Sign up for the class. Get your nails done.
Remember that joy isn’t selfish — it’s fuel.
When you fill your own cup, you show your kids how to build a life that’s full — not just busy.
Final Thoughts
You’re the heart of your family’s rodeo dreams — but don’t forget you’re also a person with dreams of your own.
At Rad Rodeo, we see you. We are you. And we’re cheering you on to rest, reset, and rise up stronger.
Because when mama’s bucket is full, everybody wins.
--
Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
Comments