Women Excel At Competitive Barrel Races

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.

From humble beginning in the 1930s, this sport has continued to grow to become a highly popular part of rodeos. It is believed that the competitive sport was first introduced in Texas. Early beginnings have been traced to the 1932 holding of the Stamford a weekend rodeo, the Texas Cowboy Reunion. In this year it held an event for girls where horsemanship was demonstrated by riding in a figure eight configuration around barrels.

A few years later, the configuration was changed to a clover leaf pattern in 1935. Thereafter, this layout became the universal design used over time. During the early period, use of the initial patterns alternated. Finally, the tougher challenge of the flower design won out in competitive usage. Since 1949 the contest has been judged on the basis of the finishing time.

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.

Specific temperamental traits and physical characteristics in a mount make them better competitors. In the end, it is the harmonious relationship between the rider and steed that ultimately leads to successful executions. At the moment the quarter horse dominates the equine part of this relationship primarily because this breed excels at bursts of speed over short distances. Appaloosas are also among the popular breeds used. They are known for their endurance and for being an intelligent breed that is sturdy, fast and sure footed. Paint horses and Arabians are also good for this event. A Paint is known for its friendly intelligence, for being athletic with strong with muscular hind legs. This breed is has a good weight distribution and a low center of gravity because of its small stature. Arabians have a long history of human contact that makes the very compatible for human handling. Their spirit is an advantage for this tough task.

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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