The Basics in Barrel Racing

Mostly a female sport, Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event, where the fastest time is what matters most.

The arena is cleared for the barrel racing event and three barrels are set up at different marked locations. The competitor then enter the arena at full speed, quickly rounding each barrel in a cloverleaf pattern and then exiting where they entered. A stopwatch or timer is used registering down to a hundredth of a second.

Speed is what it is all about in this rodeo sport. The riders steer their horses as close as they can to the barrels trying to shave precious seconds off the clock. Any barrel they knock over (which will happen sometimes) a 5 second penalty is assessed to their total time. Leaving the barrels stading and ripping through the course is every barrel racers goal.

Generally, a winning time in this event is 13 to 14 seconds, but this will vary according to the size of the arena, as all rodeo arenas are not the same in size.

Barrel racing is about cooperation between the horse and rider. Find a good horse is very important to the competitors because of the competition and money involved. A top of the line barrel horse can cost up to $50,000.