Barrel Racing
Barrel Race Calls for Lightning Speed
Current scores
Barrel racing has traditionally been a women's event. It became
popular as an event that would keep wives and daughters busy while the
men were competing in the rougher rodeo events.
Originally considered non-competitive, the event wasn't even timed.
Today, however, women riders face stiff competition. Many races have
times that are so close, that only an electronic timer measuring to the
hundredth of a second can record the differences.
Contestants compete for the fastest time running a triangular,
cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.  Horse and rider are allowed as
running start in an alleyway, gaining momentum as they enter the arena
for the barrel race. The approach to the first of three barrels they
must circle for a qualified run seems to set the tone for the racer.
After rounding the third barrel of the cloverleaf pattern, the pair
races back to the starting line, which is also the finish line.
 A rider may touch or even tip a barrel, but a five-second penalty is
added if the barrel is completely knocked over.
Success in barrel racing depends on the skills and training of both
the rider and her horse, as well as the quality of the communication
between them.
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