Barrel Racing Horses: History, Competition & Rules – [Discipline Guide] | Mad Barn (2024)

Barrel racing is a female-dominated rodeo event, although men can also participate in certain competitions. This sport challenges the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s horsemanship through their ability to run as fast as possible around three barrels in a set pattern.

The speed of barrel racing makes these competitions an exhilarating event for both riders and spectators, leading to the sport’s rise in popularity throughout North America. Today, the most prestigious barrel racing events offer millions of dollars in prize money for performances where winners are determined by the hundredth of a second.

Barrel racing horses need to be fast, agile, and responsive. The incredible equine athletes who conquer barrel courses require years of training and around-the-clock care. Keep reading to learn more about barrel racing horses.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is a popular rodeo event in which a horse and rider run a cloverleaf pattern around three preset barrels. Barrel racers race against the clock and each other to complete the course without mistakes.

This sport is not only a test of speed but also of the rider’s and horse’s skill and coordination. Riders must work on balance, control, and communication with the horse, often practicing the cloverleaf pattern extensively.

While both sexes can compete in barrel racing at the other levels, collegiate and professional barrel racing is dominated by women.

History of Barrel Racing

Founded initially as an event exclusively for women, barrel racing allowed female riders to showcase their skills at rodeos.

Before the introduction of barrel racing, women were not allowed to participate in traditional rodeos. The format developed from informal contests at stock shows, county fairs, and local rodeos. These contests began in the early 20th century. ^[1]

A group of women from Texas founded the first barrel racing organization in 1948. Early barrel racing events alternated the barrel pattern between a figure eight and the modern cloverleaf seen in competition today. The figure eight pattern eventually fell out of favor.

Initially, barrel racing resembled an exhibition more than competition. Female riders demonstrated their skills during intermission and were judged more on appearance than performance. The sport evolved after introducing standardized rules that shifted the focus to speed.

Sport Organizations

Barrel racing established its own sanctioning association relatively early in its development. Today, barrel racing organizations ensure the sport remains organized and well-governed.

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association

The Girls Rodeo Association, founded in 1948, changed its name to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) in 1981. The organization provides opportunities for women to compete in several events at rodeos, but barrel racing is the most popular.

WRPA oversees twelve divisional circuits and is co-sanctioned with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) so women can compete in PRCA rodeos.

National Barrel Horse Association

Founded in 1992, the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) oversees barrel racing competitions throughout the US and offers shows for competitors of all levels.

Competition

The standard pattern and rules used in barrel racing competitions make the event more straightforward to understand than many equestrian disciplines.

Rodeo

Barrel racing is sometimes featured in gymkhana events, but the sport is best known for its association with rodeos. Most rodeos include barrel racing competitions.

Rodeos are sporting events with public performances involving horses and other livestock that test skills traditionally linked to working cattle. American professional rodeos typically include the following events:

• Barrel racing
• Tie-down roping
• Team roping
• Steer roping
• Steer wrestling
• Saddle bronc riding
• Bareback riding
• Bull riding

Running a set pattern as fast as possible is the primary purpose of barrel racing competitions at rodeos.

Patterns

The standard barrel racing pattern consists of three barrels that riders maneuver around in a cloverleaf pattern. After riders enter the arena and cross the scoreline, they circle the first barrel, then the second, and continue to the third before sprinting back to the scoreline.

Patterns are based on measured distances between the barrels and the scoreline. Most barrel patterns follow distances established by the WPRA: ^[2]

• 90 ft (27 m) between barrels 1 and 2
• 105 ft (32 m) between barrels 1 and 3
• 105 ft (32 m) between barrels 2 and 3
• 60 ft (18 m) from barrel 1 to the scoreline
• 60 ft (18m) from barrel 2 to the scoreline

Distances can vary slightly depending on the size of the arena. The scoreline often begins at the arena’s entrance. Horses and riders enter the arena at top speed through an alley and exit in the same way to complete their run.

Rules

Barrel racing run times are measured by judges or an electric eye, which records times using a laser system. At local, non-professional events, judges drop a flag to indicate when the timer should start or stop. Electronic timer beams are more accurate for professional events.

Time begins when horse and rider cross the score line at the start of their ride and ends when they cross it again to exit the arena. Pairs must successfully navigate their barrel pattern to earn a time.

Depending on their horse’s strong side, riders can choose whether to ride around the left or right barrel first in the pattern.

Going off the pattern results in disqualification and a “no time.” Hitting a barrel and knocking it over results in a time penalty of five seconds, which even the fastest horses usually can’t make up. ^[2]

All barrel racers must complete the pattern within sixty seconds of the timer starting, and organizers drag the arena footing after a set number of contestants to ensure it stays safe for the horses.

Barrels used in patterns must be 55 gallons, enclosed at both ends, metal, and are often colored or display event sponsors. They should not hurt the horse if the horse runs into them or knocks them over.

Training

Success in barrel racing depends on horses being in optimal physical and mental condition. Completing the pattern as fast as possible requires an explosive athletic effort and clear communication between horse and rider.

Barrel racers perform at a canter or gallop, and each turn around the barrels should ideally consist of three strides around an even half circle. Horses must complete a flying lead change before the second barrel to stay balanced on such a tight turn at that gait.

Riders must balance speed with control while navigating around the barrels. Physical fitness is also critical for the rider to stay balanced around the tight turns. After completing the third barrel, horses and riders race for the score line at top speed.

This high-intensity, short-duration sport involves fast bursts of energy from the horse. However, these bursts require excellent muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. Barrel horse training balances speed work with long, slow distance work to build strength and stamina.

Barrel Racing Equipment

Barrel racers use western tack and attire. The sport has fewer equipment rules than some equestrian disciplines, but riders still have to follow a dress code in competition.

Horse Tack

Barrel horses wear similar tack to those used in other rodeo events. Since every second counts in barrel racing, riders try to minimize excess weight from heavy tack that could slow the horses down. Barrel racing saddles are lightweight western saddles.

These saddles also have a high pommel and cantle to help keep the rider secure around tight turns at top speed. Some riders use saddles that are one size smaller than usual to achieve the right fit. Forward-hung stirrups keep the rider’s feet in an ideal position.

Many bits are permitted in barrel racing. The best bit depends on the individual barrel horse. Longer shanks allow quicker stops, while shorter shanks provide better control around turns.

Horses wear protective boots to cover and support their lower limbs during the run. In addition to the risk of running into a barrel, horses can also injure themselves by accidentally hitting themselves in the leg.

Rider Attire

Riders wear basic Western riding gear for barrel racing competitions. The NBRA requires riders to wear a tucked-in western long-sleeved shirt, jeans or western-cut pants, and boots. Barrel racers often embrace brighter colors than other events. ^[3]

Western hats are the traditional head attire worn in barrel racing. Helmets are not required, but helmet use is slowly increasing in the sport. Research suggests using protective headgear in rodeo events, including barrel racing, reduces the risk of minor and severe trauma from injuries. ^[4]

Horses

The breeds and types of horses that dominate other rodeo events also dominate barrel racing. These horses often need unique management and targeted feeding programs to support the demands of this explosive sport.

Barrel Horse Breeds

The American Quarter Horse is the most popular horse breed in barrel racing. Initially developed to work on cattle ranches on the American range, these stock horses excel in all the skills prized in top rodeo horses.

Barrel horses have to be powerful, fast, and intelligent. Quarter horses and other stock breeds have the strong muscling required to maneuver around barrels and power the explosive bursts of speed needed in the sport.

The breed is also known for its strong work ethic and calm temperament, which allow horses to stay focused on their riders in the intense rodeo environment. These horses also have a talent for speed over short distances of a quarter mile or less, which is where the breed gets its name.

Other stock horses commonly seen in barrel racing and other rodeo events include Appaloosas and American Paint Horses. All stock horses descend from working ranch horses, but many breeders today specialize in producing performance horses for different sports.

Correct conformation is also critical for barrel horses. Racing and turning place a lot of strain on the limbs, so incorrect conformation can increase the risk of injury. ^[5]

Managing Barrel Horses

Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern for any horse participating in athletically demanding sports. The tight turns and repetitive movement in barrel racing predispose these horses to injuries in the lower limb.

Studies show the metacarpophalangeal joint, also known as the fetlock, is one of the most common injury sites in barrel horses. One study of 63 barrel horses identified mild to moderate lameness of the fetlockjoint in almost 50% of study participants. ^[5]

Following a training program that provides adequate recovery time and avoids overtraining repetitive movements can help reduce the risk of injury. Quality farrier care to maintain hoof balance and regular veterinary checkups can help keep your barrel horse sound.

All performance horses, including barrel horses, are subject to increased stress from intense travel, training, and competition. This stress can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders in horses exposed to competition environments, such as rodeos. ^[6]

Barrel horses can only perform at their best in the ring when their physical and mental health is prioritized outside of it. Management programs for these equine athletes should ensure horses have time to be horses, with regular turnout and social interaction.

Feeding Barrel Horses

Nutrition plays a key role in enabling the fast bursts of speed performed by barrel horses. These horses need feeding programs that provide adequate energy and protein to support athletic performance and muscle health.

Barrel horses and other equine athletes in racing sports often have higher calorie requirements. However, many stock breeds used in barrel racing are easy keepers with a higher risk of obesity.

Feeding large amounts of grain-based commercial feeds can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues and metabolic problems in barrel horses. Instead, nutritionists recommend feeding a balanced, forage-based diet to ensure your barrel horse gets the nutrients he needs while supporting a healthy digestive system.

The best diet for your barrel horse depends on his breed, age, competition schedule, training program, and health history. Work with a qualified equine nutritionist to develop a feeding program unique to your horse’s needs.

Want to know if your barrel horse’s diet is missing anything? Submit your horse’s diet for a free evaluation and consult with our expert nutritionists to develop the best feeding plan to fuel your equine athlete.