Barrel Racing

Barrel racing different kind of rodeo event. This event consists of a rider, horse, and three barrels. A lot of people say that barrel racing is a girls sport. That is not really the truth. There are lots of guys that also barrel race. I myself have ran NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) for the last ten years. I have traveled the country and met a lot of good people.

How barrel racing is done is there is three barrels set up out in the arena in the shape of a triangle. They call it a clover leaf pattern the way you go around them. If you go on the wrong side of the barrel you’re disqualified. Also if you knock a barrel over it is plus 5seconds to your time. Barrel racing is only based on speed. Not points. So the fastest horse and rider wins.

The cowgirls and cowboys that compete in this have to be in good shape, right along with their horse’s too. The horses that run in these races are pure athletes. The horses have to know how fast they can go into a barrel and still be able to slid clear around it without knocking and run for the next barrel. These animals have to be conditioned and exercised regularly, just like a football team would. That way the horse can perform to its best ability.

When theses races are being timed, the timer goes clear down to a thousandth of a second. The races really do get that close to ties. That is why the phrase “Don’t stop kickin’ till the clock stops tickin’” is used so much. There is a lot of money and awards added at the big races you can win, like new trucks and trailers. Which that is one of the reasons I have done this for so many years.