Barrel Racing
Your Guide To The Basics
>Barrel racing is a very interesting and exciting class. One that usually draws a crowd at the horse shows. Have you ever wondered how to get yourself started in this class?
In this mini-guide to get you started, we will be breaking down the class for a better understanding of what it takes to compete. We will also be discussing how you can get started, where to go to show and some helpful resources with advice from the pros.
Class Breakdown
Most people recognize the infamous cloverleaf pattern that makes up a barrel racing course. This is a class where exhibitors compete against the clock and it is the clock that determines the winners, not the opinions of one or more judges.Barrel racing is a timed games class where exhibitors run their horses around three barrels in a specific direction. The direction can be either one barrel to the right with two to the left, or one barrel to the left with two to the right.
Deciding this direction depends on the horse and the rider. Most people complete the pattern with a right turn at the right barrel followed by two left turns at the remaining barrels. If you have a horse that runs a little better to the left first, you can begin with a left turn at the left barrel.
In a barrel racing class each exhibitor competes solo through the pattern. Due to the high speeds you will be traveling at, it is safer for other exhibitors to be outside the arena.
There should also be a stop clock hooked to a sensor that starts your time once you cross at the beginning of your pattern, and finishes it once you cross through again at the end of your pattern.
If you knock over a barrel you will be penalized with a five second penalty. Top times usually run around 13-14 seconds but can vary depending on the size of the arena and pattern.
Below is a video from AQHA highlighting some barrel racing patterns:
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Getting Started
The Right Horse: Finding the right horse is essential to competing successfully in barrel racing. You must look for the right balance of both conformation and attitude.When looking at conformation you want to pay attention to the slope in the shoulder. You also want to consider the length of the cannon bones, they should be of shorter length. Pasterns should have a correct slope to them as well. A barrel horse should have a shorter top line and be longer underneath allowing the horse proper strength through the back with maximum stride due to the length underneath.
A good horse should be lower in the hocks to allow for improved power in and out of turns. A lower hock set allows the horse to get lower into the ground around a barrel and allows him to be able to push efficiently out of a turn.
Attitude is another thing to consider. Many exhibitors prefer a horse that tends to be a little more active even when standing still. Barrel racing competitors believe that a good barrel horse needs the heart and desire to run.
The horse needs to love his job in the arena and remain focused and in tune with the rider.
The Right Equipment: Having the right equipment to show with is also important. Some riders use spurs when riding. Spurs are meant to be used as a supportive aid to the rider's leg. If used improperly they can cause more harm than good. When used correctly, they can help increase communication between horse and rider making the cues from rider to horse lighter.
The type of bit and bridle you use depends on your horse and the amount of experience your horse has. A snaffle of some sort (typically a ring snaffle or variation of the ring snaffle) may be something you can consider.
There are also saddles made specifically for barrel racing. When looking for a good saddle to use, consider one that has more flexibility to the tree. One that may have twists in the bars and flexible side panels to move with your horse.
Basic Riding Tips: When riding through a barrel pattern with your horse, most experts recommend keeping your body forward between barrels to encourage forward motion from your horse.
When coming into a turn you want to sit down and back in the saddle to help balance your horse through the turn. Make sure you also keep your shoulders square through the turn. If you drop a shoulder through the turn it will also cause your horse to drop a shoulder in the turn. This then throws him off balance and can prevent him from getting out of the turn effectively.
Also make sure you keep your hands forward between barrels. In the turns you want to take up slack on the inside rein and leave some slack on the outside rein. Make sure your hands aren't too low through the turn to avoid taking up too much slack through the outside rein.
Where To Show
You are able to compete in barrel racing classes at weekend rodeos, gymkhana shows, and club shows through the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA). A great way to get started in competing is to begin at a few local family clubs or gymkhanas which may be a little smaller, but offer newer competitors a chance to get their feet wet in the sport.Some open show circuits offer barrel racing classes in addition to other classes, but you may have better luck seeking out a fun show or speed show.
