Barrel racing offers us the excitement of horses, speed, competition, and adrenaline. It is a timed event where the only things involved are you, your horse, and three barrels to conquer. The race follows a clover leaf pattern, beginning with a left or right turn based on personal preference. The clock serves as the sole judge, determining the winners based on their fastest times.

About Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is primarily a female competition, despite the fact that there have been numerous male participants and it appeals to young people in the youth division. In this event, three barrels are arranged in a triangular formation in the middle of the arena. The objective is for each competitor to race around the barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, though not simultaneously. The aim is to complete the course as quickly as possible.

In rodeo competitions, success doesn’t solely depend on the rider; it also involves the horse. Both the rider and the horse need to have exceptional skills and superb athletic ability to achieve victory. Participants have the option to begin with either the first or second barrels, but they must complete the prescribed pattern and number of turns. The barrels used in the competition must be made of metal, have a capacity of 55 gallons, and be closed at both ends.

A Standard Size Arena

The barrel distances in a standard size arena of 130 feet wide and 200 feet long are as follows when thinking step by step:

60 feet from the starting line, called the scoreline, to the 1st or 2nd barrels
90 feet between the first and second barrels
105 feet from the 1st and 2nd barrels to the 3rd barrel
There should be at least 25 feet between the third barrel and the back fence

To calculate your stopping room, it is important to keep in mind that each barrel should be positioned a minimum of 18 feet away from the nearest fence and the scoreline should be at least 60 feet away from the back fence.

All Arenas Aren’t Created Equal

Not all arenas are as large as the standard arena. The mentioned measurements cannot be used in smaller arenas and are not seen in all races and rodeos. In the National Barrel Horse Association, the distance between the scoreline and the first barrel is only 30 feet, while the distance between the third barrel and the back fence is increased to 30 feet. If a smaller pattern is desired, the distances can be reduced by five to 10-foot increments for each measurement.

When setting up a practice area, it is crucial to make sure that there is sufficient space between your barrels and the closest fences.

How it Works:

In order to proceed, it is necessary to determine the pattern for both ourselves and our horses. This pattern consists of multiple points that we must aim for in order to prevent disqualification, such as knocking over a barrel. The specific dimensions of the pattern vary depending on the race and arena, but generally, according to NBHA regulations, the distance from the fence to the first and second barrels should be 15 feet, while the minimum distance from the third barrel, the fence, and the timer line to be maintained is 30 feet.

Attending an event: NBHA Division Format

NBHA started implementing divisions in their open race to provide an opportunity for every rider to earn money, rather than just the top times. If you are specifically seeking to earn money based on top times, consider participating in a rodeo event that only rewards the highest positions. However, for a more inclusive approach, the 4D division is the way to go.

The following is the sequence of events.

1D is the fastest times of that go/race
2D is half a second slower then the fastest time
3D is 1 full second
4D is 2 seconds off the fastest time.

The top time recorded was a 15.0, making the 1D winner also a 15.0. Any participant who finished with a time above 15.5 would be placed in the 2D category, while those with times above 16.0 would fall into the 3D category. The 4D category comprises all participants who finished with a time slower than 17.0.

All participants start the open race on equal terms, as everyone pays the same entry fees and completes a single run for their class. Once the class concludes, the results are displayed in the aforementioned format.

Penalties

There are several methods for obtaining disqualification in barrel racing.

A Down Barrel refers to the situation where a barrel is struck by either you or your horse and topples over. In certain instances, quick responders may attempt to reach down and catch the falling barrel before it hits the ground. However, it is important to be cautious, as some riders may lose their balance and unintentionally fall off their horses while executing this maneuver.

If you deviate from running directly to the middle of the 1st and 2nd barrel after reaching home, you will be disqualified automatically. Additionally, if you exit the barrel on the same side as you entered it, it is considered turning the barrel inside out.

Please pay attention. Once your name is called, it is crucial that you promptly enter the arena within the designated timeframe. Failure to do so, whether it be due to problems in the horse alley or simply exceeding the warm-up duration, can result in you missing your run. Regardless of the reason, ensure that you are aware of the time allotted for you to avoid being caught off guard and unable to participate.