At their formal events, the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) solely recognizes barrel racing as the women’s rodeo event, allowing only women to compete in it.
Barrel racing, a high-speed and intense sport, relies on the smallest time differences to determine the winner. Regardless of the horse’s natural ability or the rider’s talent, a single mistake can ultimately determine who walks away with the prize money.
To be successful in barrel racing, cowgirls on horses must have a strong understanding of the event and its rules, receive dependable training, comprehend how each movement impacts the horse, and overcome any mistakes to maintain their position at the top of the leaderboard.
The Sport: Barrel Racing
Barrel racing involves running your horse around three barrels in the quickest time possible. The barrels are arranged in a triangular or cloverleaf pattern within an arena. The first and second barrels are positioned 60 ft away from the starting point, while the third barrel is located 105 ft away from the starting point. It’s worth noting that the distance between the barrels may vary depending on the organization.
To succeed, one must focus and swiftly adapt to the changing situation while negotiating skillfully.
The rider enters the arena at a gallop and runs towards the first barrel. They have the choice to start at either the left or right-most barrel and then completes a full circle around it. After circling the second barrel, they rush towards the third one. Once they have rounded all three barrels, the rider urges their horse towards the finish line at tremendously fast speeds.
The Penalties
Penalties can determine the outcome between victory and defeat. In barrel racing, there are two types of penalties. The initial penalty occurs when a barrel is knocked over, disrupting the pattern, resulting in an additional five seconds being added to the overall racing time. However, if the rider manages to catch the barrel before it touches the ground, no penalty is imposed. The second penalty pertains to a completely disrupted pattern, leading to outright disqualification.
The Groundwork
To become the top female barrel racer in the industry, extensive training, discipline, and control are required. Beginners should recognize that speed alone is not the key factor. The focus should be on mastering the pattern before gradually increasing momentum through practice. Finding a knowledgeable trainer, whether they are an experienced barrel racer or an instructor, is essential for establishing a solid foundation.
The Time
The objective of a barrel racing run is to finish the pattern as quickly as possible without causing the barrels to fall. When training, utilize an electric timer equipped with a sensor that initiates and concludes timing once the horse passes the sensor. By using professional timers, the likelihood of human error is eliminated, enabling you to improve with each run.
The Rate
Is there a rate in barrel racing? Yes, the rate is approximately 10 feet away from the barrel. During training, you can mark the 10 feet distance with a cone. This method will assist you in comprehending and feeling at ease with when to decelerate and initiate the preparation for entering the pocket and executing the barrel turn. It is crucial to mentally prepare yourself to avoid fixating on the barrel ahead of you, rather focus on looking beyond it.
Understanding the barrel pattern and the perfect circle
The barrel pattern involves three barrels arranged in a triangular shape. Each rider must navigate around the barrels in a clover leaf pattern as quickly as possible. Riders have the option to choose a pattern with one right hand turn and two left hand turns or vice versa. The diagram below demonstrates a right handed pattern, in which the rider selects the right barrel as their first barrel. The rider will then proceed in a straight line to barrel two, where a left hand turn is made. Next, the rider will head straight to barrel three for another left hand turn before finally crossing the timer line.
Recognizing that the barrel pattern consists of straight lines and fast, tight turns is crucial to grasping its essence. By practicing exiting each turn in a way that allows for immediate progress towards the next barrel, you will be able to reduce the duration of your run.
The preparation of both the horse and the rider.
Before attempting the barrel pattern, it is essential that you and your horse can execute a flawless circle in the appropriate lead at a walk, trot, and lope. A flawless circle does not merely involve the horse loping around in a circle; it requires the horse’s body to be positioned correctly and the horse to be collected. Correct body position entails a slightly tilted nose toward the inside of the circle, free shoulders that can move naturally throughout the circle, a slightly bent rib cage toward the inside, and a hip positioned underneath the horse. This is the ideal position for your horse while maneuvering around the barrels.
To improve control over each of the horse’s body parts, practice riding circles in both directions, gradually transitioning from smaller to larger circles. Additionally, circles can serve as an effective warm-up exercise for your horse prior to a workout.
For more experienced horses and riders, incorporating counter-bending into their circles can be beneficial. Counter-bending is an effective technique to enhance your horse’s shoulder mobility and maintain control over each individual body part. To execute counter-bending, begin by establishing a regular circle with your horse, ensuring that your horse is relaxed and comfortable. Then, instruct your horse to position his nose and rib cage away from the inside of the circle, while maintaining the correct placement of his shoulders and hindquarters. Hold this position for a stride or two before returning to the original circle body position.
