Barrel racing is a timed event where the rider has to maneuver the horse around a cloverleaf pattern made up of three barrels in the arena. Sometimes referred to as ‘chasing cans,’ this fast-paced event is won by whoever can ride around the barrels and get back to the finish line in the fastest time. It is an exhilarating rodeo event that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you cheer on our talented barrel racers.
Barrel racing is a timed event where the rider has to maneuver the horse around a cloverleaf pattern made up of three barrels in the arena. Sometimes referred to as ‘chasing cans,’ this fast-paced event is won by whoever can ride around the barrels and get back to the finish line in the fastest time. It is an exhilarating rodeo event that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you cheer on our talented barrel racers.
Barrel racing began in 1928 in Stamford, Texas, as one of the first rodeo events allowing women to showcase their skills and break traditional barriers in the sport. Initially, riders used two barrels to perform a figure-eight pattern. Over time, the event evolved into the cloverleaf pattern we know today, using three barrels.
Although barrel racing can be done by both men and women at an amateur level, this rodeo event is usually only done by women at professional rodeos. Over the years, barrel racers primarily choose American Quarter horses, known for their agility and speed. The event has become popular through the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
In the 1950s, both the cloverleaf pattern and the figure eight pattern were used in barrel racing. After consideration, the cloverleaf pattern was favored for its higher complexity and difficulty. Watching skilled barrel racers navigate the cloverleaf pattern in sync with their horses as they race around the barrels is truly an impressive act.
For barrel racing, three barrels are positioned like a triangle in the arena. The time on the clock starts as soon as the barrel racer and its horse crosses the start line. From here, the barrel racer can choose which barrel to go around first. After the rider goes around the first barrel, they must then go around the second barrel on the other side. Finally, the rider has to go around the third and final barrel on the far end of the arena and ride back to the finish line, where the timer stops.
Penalties & Disqualifications: If a rider knocks down a barrel at any point, a five-second penalty is added to their time. Touching a barrel without tipping it over doesn’t incur any penalties. However, if the horse deviates from the required cloverleaf pattern, the rider faces disqualification.
Experience the thrill of barrel racing at the Silver Spurs Rodeo! You can see riders as young as 10 years old showing off their skills in our barrel racing event. Our rodeo is held three times a year, so you have plenty of chances to join the excitement. Don’t miss your chance to witness this high-speed event and cheer on these talented young riders!