Barrel racing
Barrel racing is a timed equestrian sport where you run around three barrels in a clover leaf pattern. Both males and females participate in this sport but the majority of people that participate in this sport are females.
Today barrel racing is a part of most rodeos and is also included in gymkannah events, which are a mostly amateur competition open to riders of all ages and abilities. In barrel racing the purpose is to run the pattern as fast as possible. The times are measured either by an electric eye, a device using a laser system to record times, or by a judge who drops a flag to let the timer know when to hit the timer stop. Judges and timers are more commonly seen in local and non-professional events. The timer begins when horse and rider cross the start line, and ends when the barrel pattern has been successfully executed and horse and rider cross the finish line. The rider’s time depends on several factors, most commonly the horse’s physical and mental condition, the rider’s horsemanship abilities, and the type of ground or footing (the quality, depth, content, etc. of the sand or dirt in the arena).Beginning a barrel race, the horse and rider will enter the arena at top speed, through the center entrance (or alley if in a rodeo arena). Once in the arena, the electronic timer beam is crossed by the horse and rider. The timer keeps running until the beam is crossed again at the end of the run.
Modern barrel racing horses not only need to be fast, but also strong, agile, and intelligent. Strength and agility are needed to maneuver the course in as little distance as possible. A horse that is able to “hug the barrels” as well as maneuver the course quickly and accurately follow commands, will be a horse with consistently low times. One of the best barrel racers is Fallon Taylor and her horse Babyflow.
Fallon Taylor has won over $500,000 in her barrel racing carrer but sadly Babyflow is going to have to retire from barrels and let her children keep Fallons name alive.
The contestant is allowed to choose whether they start the course with the right or left barrel.
The first barrel on the course is often referred to as the “money barrel” because it is crucial to the competitor’s overall time to get a good first turn.
Barrel racing is a fun sport for equestrians that like speed and a rush. It is a great way to get your adrenalin rush.
https://www.thesprucepets.com/barrel-racing-basics-for-beginners-1886869