Barrel Racing by Vivian Vallarsa
Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider run a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. The pair with the fastest time wins the event.
Barrel racing began in the early 1900’s, but the races were informal and usually held at local rodeos and fairs. These races were judged based on appearance only, not on time. Competitors were awarded best mount, best outfit, and best horsemanship. It wasn’t until 1949 the event was judged solely based on time.
In the early stages of barrel racing, only men were allowed to compete. That is until 1931 when the Stamford Texas Cowboy Reunion added women as parade leaders, and allowed them to compete in minor rodeo activities. During World War II, “all-girl rodeos” were very successful, but when men returned from war, they took over rodeos again and left very few opportunities for women to compete.
Barrel racing started with having riders either complete a cloverleaf pattern going around three barrels, or a figure eight pattern going around two. The figure eight pattern was later dropped because the cloverleaf was more difficult; therefore, bringing more enjoyment to the audience. According to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, the standard size of the barrel pattern is “ninety feet between barrel one and two, one hundred five feet between barrel one and three, and between barrel two and three. Sixty feet from barrels one and two to the score line. The score line should be at least sixty feet from the end of the arena, if allowed, and not less than forty five feet.”
Today, barrel racing is one of the most popular rodeo events. The sport is continuously attracting new riders and fans.
Barrel racing began in the early 1900’s, but the races were informal and usually held at local rodeos and fairs. These races were judged based on appearance only, not on time. Competitors were awarded best mount, best outfit, and best horsemanship. It wasn’t until 1949 the event was judged solely based on time.
In the early stages of barrel racing, only men were allowed to compete. That is until 1931 when the Stamford Texas Cowboy Reunion added women as parade leaders, and allowed them to compete in minor rodeo activities. During World War II, “all-girl rodeos” were very successful, but when men returned from war, they took over rodeos again and left very few opportunities for women to compete.
Barrel racing started with having riders either complete a cloverleaf pattern going around three barrels, or a figure eight pattern going around two. The figure eight pattern was later dropped because the cloverleaf was more difficult; therefore, bringing more enjoyment to the audience. According to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, the standard size of the barrel pattern is “ninety feet between barrel one and two, one hundred five feet between barrel one and three, and between barrel two and three. Sixty feet from barrels one and two to the score line. The score line should be at least sixty feet from the end of the arena, if allowed, and not less than forty five feet.”
Today, barrel racing is one of the most popular rodeo events. The sport is continuously attracting new riders and fans.