Barrel racing news from around the Web. Please scroll
down to see a brief article on barrel racing including an illustration of the
barrel pattern, a description of possible penalties, and also links to
shopping for barrel racing items.
Note: Links with green
underlines are shopping links and will open in a new window
Barrel Racing
Barrel racing is a competitive event in which a horse and rider run a
cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. It is a timed event in which the
fastest time wins. Though most recognized as a sport competed in
by women, depending on what (if any) governing body sanctions a barrel
race the rider may be either male or female.
This barrel racer is turning the third
barrel.
In barrel racing, the rider has the choice of turning either the
right or left barrel first. It is most common to take the right barrel
first because most horses are naturally more athletic when working to
their left. By taking the right barrel first the horse will have one
right-hand turn (the first barrel), and two left-hand turns (the second
and third barrels).
This illustration
shows shows the barrel racing pattern with the right barrel being turned first.
Penalties
In
barrel racing, there can be penalties. For
example, if a barrel racer knocks over a barrel a five second penalty is
usually assessed. If a barrel racer "breaks the pattern" (which means
they don't run around all three barrels in the manner described by the
rules), or if they cross back across the start/finish line before the pattern is
complete, they will receive a no time.
This barrel racer has just knocked down
the first barrel.
She will receive a five-second penalty added to her time.
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