Let’s not waste time here – If you are participating in a professional barrel race, Quarter Horses are the best choice!
If you are intending to participate in a local barrel race, you may be astonished to discover that numerous horse breeds can excel in barrel racing if they receive appropriate training.
In this post, we will be discussing the top 11 horses that are recommended for barrel racing. Continue reading to discover the horses you should consider for your upcoming barrel racing competition.
Top 5 Best Horses For Barrel Racing
1. Quarter Horse
It would be an understatement to say that Quarter Horses dominate barrel racing as they are easily the top choice for this sport. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, Quarter Horses are the fastest horses compared to the average horse speed of 27 miles per hour.
The rulers of barrel races possess remarkable agility and can effortlessly execute sharp turns. These horses have a sturdy and compact build, well-developed muscles, and robust hindquarters. Moreover, they are known for their calm temperament, making them highly trainable and cooperative.
The combination of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds results in horses that are registered as Appendix Quarter Horse. Additionally, due to their mixed heritage of two strong barrel racing breeds, Appendix Quarter Horses excel in the sport of barrel racing.
2. Appaloosa
In order to prevent the extinction of the Appaloosa breed, it was crossed with Quarter horses at the end of the nineteenth century, revealing that these horses have much more to offer than just their stunning appearance, specifically their spotted coat patterns.
Barrel racing enthusiasts often choose Appaloosas due to their perfect combination of the barrel racing traits found in Quarter horses and the versatility of the Appaloosa breed.
Appaloosas are notable for the fact that no two horses have the same body coat pattern, akin to how human fingerprints are individual to each person. Additionally, these agile and athletic horses possess amiable and gentle traits, making them an ideal breed for children.
3. Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds, known for being tall, lean, and athletic, are renowned for their speed and stamina. As a matter of fact, numerous barrel racing horse breeds have origins that can be traced back to the Thoroughbreds.
Thoroughbred horses have an average height of approximately 64 inches and are known for being hot-blooded, making them challenging for inexperienced riders to handle. However, when under the guidance of an experienced rider, these horses prove to be exceptionally diligent and well-suited for barrel races.
Arabians are regarded as the founding stallions, whereas the founding mares are believed to be a combination of European breeds and Oriental horses.
4. Arabian
Arabians are naturally good racers. What’s more, their light frames help them make turns quickly, which is one of the essential characteristics of barrel horses. This breed of horses races with speed and have impressively high endurance.
Arabians have an average height of 57 inches, making them intelligent animals. Despite having a hot-headed reputation, Arabians can also be kind and receptive horses that can be easily trained.
Arabians have one fewer rib, one fewer lumbar vertebrae, and one fewer tail bone than all other breeds, which is an intriguing characteristic.
5. Mustang
When you think of barrel racing horses, Mustang may not immediately come to your mind. However, these feral horses possess numerous advantageous traits for barrel racing. Despite their small stature, weighing less than 1000 pounds, these horses are nimble and speedy.
Mustang horses are known for their friendly demeanor and high trainability, making them excellent candidates for barrel racing when provided with proper training.
BONUS: Top 5 Barrel Racing Horses Of All Time
If you are familiar with barrel racing, you are likely aware that the sport is fast-paced and exciting. It requires a nimble horse with strong hindquarters and a dedicated attitude. Certain horses have excelled in this field and have achieved champion status. As a fellow barrel racer, you may be acquainted with some of these remarkable equines.
Top Barrel Racing Horses
- Sonny Bit O’Both: A bay Quarter horse owned by Martha Josey. He competed in the NFR from 1978 to 1981. This team took home many wins!
- Flo’s Heiress: This beautiful Appendix Quarter horse mare is owned by Fallon Taylor. ‘Babyflo’ won the 2013 AQHA/WPRA Barrel Horse of the Year and 2014 WPRA Barrel Racing World Championship with Fallon. This mare even has a Breyer horse model.
- DM Sissy Hayday: Hailey Kinsel rides this palomino Quarter horse. Together, they’ve had a lot of success in the barrel racing industry. They even won three consecutive world championships from 2018 to 2020.
- Gills Bay Boy: Ridden by Charmayne James, this bay Quarter horse gelding was born in 1977. Scamper and James won 10 WPRA World Barrel Racing Championships. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
- Star Plaudit: Only the 2nd barrel horse to be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Red was ridden by Sherry Combs Johnson. He was a Quarter horse gelding born in 1948.
From time to time, a remarkable horse distinguishes itself from the rest and deserves acknowledgment. It is important to note that there are also numerous other impressive horses.
