Barrel Races Are Not Just For Women Anymore

By Freda Watts


The largest event for women at rodeos is barrel racing. In this event, competitors race around 3 barrels arranged in a a diamond design. They guide their mounts around the barrels in a clover leaf configuration. The barrel races end quickly. They can take as little as 17 seconds. Racers are not far apart in their closing times, which can be less than a second apart.

This popular activity has risen from a modest start during the 1930s. Texas is attributed to being the state where it was first competitively introduced at the Stamford, Texas Cowboy Reunion. This was a weekend rodeo which in 1932 included a horsemanship program for girls that involved riding in a figure eight pattern while circling barrel obstacles.

In 1935, the figure eight was changed to a clover leaf pattern, which has become universalized. In the early period, the pattern alternated between a figure eight and its eventual successor. Eventually the more challenging design became dominant as the figure eight was dropped in favor of the more difficult pattern. The race was not judged according to the shortest time run until 1949.

The individual and the steed must race at quickly in snug turns without coming in contact with the arranged obstacles. The need for strength, agility, and speed is a test for the horse. The combined efforts of the horse and rider are at their best demonstrations of a magical harmony. This develops over a period of time as competitors become more seasoned. The exacting demands of the sport have been a decisive factor in its growing appeal.

The first cask is called the money barrel as it determines the final result. The competition has developed over time. Earlier, the horses used were those considered unsuitable for other riding events. Today, specialist trainers focus on training for this specific purpose.

Breeding programs are raising horses specifically for this purpose as well. The ideal horse has to fast and able to control its pace. It needs to maintain its composure to make the precise turns of the race course at a high speed. Travel schedules can test endurance. The horse needs to handle the stress and keep the hunger to win alive.

Certain inborn qualities and physical traits make some breeds of horses better contestants. Ultimately, it may be the harmony between the individual and the horse that triumphs in this contest. Presently, quarter horses dominate the equine member of this relationship mainly because this breed is built for surges of speed over brief distances. Appaloosas are also a popular breed used in these events. These equines are appreciated for their stamina. This intelligent breed has the important traits suited to this activity. Being fast, agile and sturdy it has the key attributes required for this test. Arabians and Paint horses are also considered to be suitable for this activity. A Paint is recognized for being a very friendly breed. It is also intelligent and athletic. It has powerful, muscular hind legs good for turns and speed. The species has a superior distribution of weight and because of its small stature, a low center of gravity. Arabians are very responsive to human contact. They have a long past of human acquaintanceship. Their strong spirit is a boon for this hardy challenge.

There has been continued progress. Breeding programs have developed enhanced products and training techniques have gotten better. Once restricted to women, men have entered competitions. Special bodies have been established for males participating in barrel races. Youth training offered by racing bodies and many regional and local organizations helps to grow the sport. In this activity the whole family can participate.




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