Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is a rodeo sport that involves racing around a number of barrels within a certain time. The sport was usually set up for woman because they wanted to get involved in rodeo as the men were always taking part in bull riding. The pattern done by the rider was usually a simple figure of eight but to make it harder it was changed to the shape of a cloverleaf.
    The very first Barrel racing event took place in Texas and was held by a group of woman from the 'Girls Rodeo Association'. The sport has grown and the name has also changed but it is now one of the most popular Rodeo sports. It is also now open for male and females.
    The rider is judged on the speed the course is completed and the time is usually recorded on a stopwatch or a laser system which is a little machine that catches the exact time it takes the horse and rider to go around the three barrels following the pattern. The horse will already be going very fast when it enters the arena and it will head straight for the first barrel then the second and then the third and out again. The rider can decide to start with the barrel on the left or on the right. If a barrel is moved or knocked over, five seconds is added to the time.
   The rider must wear an old western long sleeved shirt tucked in, western jeans, a western hat and also western boots. The horse is tacked normally with no extra special equipment. Its a very popular sport but isn't played a lot in Ireland.

Photo Credit: cjuneau