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Barrel Races Are Not Just For Women Anymore

By Freda Watts


Racing around large casks involves the most significant activity for women at western riding events. In this contest, contenders sprint around three large casks in the form of a diamond arrangement. Their mounts are guided around the obstacles in a clover leaf shape. These barrel races do not last long. They are terminated in as little as seventeen seconds. Participant timings are not far apart in this contest. The separation could be mere hundredths of a second in time.

This popular activity has risen from a modest start during the 1930s. Texas is attributed to being the state where it was first competitively introduced at the Stamford, Texas Cowboy Reunion. This was a weekend rodeo which in 1932 included a horsemanship program for girls that involved riding in a figure eight pattern while circling barrel obstacles.

In 1935, the figure eight was changed to a clover leaf pattern, which has become universalized. In the early period, the pattern alternated between a figure eight and its eventual successor. Eventually the more challenging design became dominant as the figure eight was dropped in favor of the more difficult pattern. The race was not judged according to the shortest time run until 1949.

Racing around barrels appeals to fans and riders who appreciate its demands. The rider and horse must take taut turns at high speed without hitting the barrels. This requires speed, agility and strength and tests the special alchemy between horse and rider.

The first obstacle has been described as the money barrel by competitors. This is because it sets the tone for the rest of the run. The sport has seen some major progress over the years. This is exemplified by the mounts, which were earlier discards found unsuitable for other riding trials. Now skilled trainers have prepared them for this specialized use.

Breeders are raising horses for this objective as well. The archetypal steed needs to be speedy and able to manage its velocity. It needs to preserve its poise and make the meticulous turns at high speeds required by the course. The busy travel schedules can also test endurance in a different way. The charger needs to maintain competitive hunger while taking tournament stresses in stride.

Certain inborn qualities and physical traits make some breeds of horses better contestants. Ultimately, it may be the harmony between the individual and the horse that triumphs in this contest. Presently, quarter horses dominate the equine member of this relationship mainly because this breed is built for surges of speed over brief distances. Appaloosas are also a popular breed used in these events. These equines are appreciated for their stamina. This intelligent breed has the important traits suited to this activity. Being fast, agile and sturdy it has the key attributes required for this test. Arabians and Paint horses are also considered to be suitable for this activity. A Paint is recognized for being a very friendly breed. It is also intelligent and athletic. It has powerful, muscular hind legs good for turns and speed. The species has a superior distribution of weight and because of its small stature, a low center of gravity. Arabians are very responsive to human contact. They have a long past of human acquaintanceship. Their strong spirit is a boon for this hardy challenge.

Evolution in this challenging event has continued as breeding programs develop improved strains and training methods have improved. Once confined to women, males have recently begun to participate seriously in barrel races. Fraternities have sprung up with a focus on male racers. Training for youngsters is offered by a number of regional and local riding institutions and racing associations. The whole family can become involved in this activity.




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