| Here is a sport for everyone. This activity offers | | | | number of individuals wanting to learn to barrel |
| to its enthusiasts the relaxation of the outdoors | | | | race. They don't say " I want to learn to ride", |
| coupled with the excitement of speed and the | | | | instead what I am hearing is "I want to barrel |
| unparallel connection with an animal many times | | | | race". Of course like the saying goes, that is really |
| larger, stronger, and faster than the individual | | | | putting the cart before the horse. I normally don't |
| mounted on top. The only judge involved is the | | | | have any problem resolving the situation. Usually |
| clock. You wont find any style preferences, | | | | the horse explains it rather quickly, and much |
| attitude, or subjective opinions here. Either you | | | | better than I could. After that they understand |
| have the fastest time or you don't. | | | | just why they need to learn to ride and control |
| Barrel racing has been around for years. It has | | | | the horse before asking for speed. Then there |
| been a game event in numerous competitions for | | | | are those who have been riding for some time |
| decades where men, women, and children have | | | | and desire something different or more |
| enjoyed displaying their expertise at top speed | | | | challenging. For these riders things move along |
| for all to see. Most often the first exposure to it | | | | much more quickly. They already have the basics |
| comes from watching the Rodeos. The cowboys | | | | and simply need the technical aspects. However, |
| introduced barrel racing into their list of events so | | | | even for some of those with experience it takes |
| their wives and girlfriends would have something | | | | some getting used to for the speed. Once that is |
| to compete in at the Rodeos. However, | | | | accomplished, there off and running. |
| throughout the rest of the world it is open to and | | | | Barrel racing is a wonderful activity for anyone |
| participated in by all. | | | | who enjoys being outdoors, excitement, an |
| The race is relatively simple at first glance. It | | | | adrenalin rush, and the chance to really |
| consists of three barrels placed at specified | | | | communicate with horses. When you travel at top |
| distances in an arena in a triangular pattern, | | | | speed your communication skills need to be on |
| referred to as a cloverleaf pattern. Different | | | | time and accurate. This is one sport that seems |
| associations have their own recommended | | | | to hold the interest of entire families. Even the |
| distances. A general guideline would be ninety feet | | | | teenagers stay with it. That could be due to the |
| from the first to second barrel and ninety feet to | | | | fact that most of the time you win cash and not |
| the third. These distances vary anywhere from | | | | ribbons. |
| sixty to one hundred and five feet. However, | | | | If you think that your ready for a little |
| once set, it remains the same for all competitors | | | | excitement, don't hesitate, give it a try. Don't be |
| in that race. The competitor enters the arena at | | | | put off by the idea of competing or even the |
| one end and proceeds at top speed around the | | | | speed. Many of my students don't go out and |
| first barrel and then proceeds across the arena to | | | | start competing right away. Some never want to |
| the second, which must be turned in the opposite | | | | compete. They simply want to enjoy having the |
| direction from the first. Next they proceed down | | | | ability to do it and the opportunity to give it a try. |
| the arena to the third barrel, which must be | | | | Most of all they are thrilled to be able to do |
| turned in the same direction as the second barrel. | | | | something so completely different from anything |
| Then it's down the centerline at breakneck speed | | | | they have ever done before. Barrel racing |
| across the finish line. That's it, fastest time wins. | | | | provides them that fulfillment and excitement, and |
| I have been teaching riding and barrel racing for | | | | I feel certain that it will do the same for you if |
| years and have noticed a dramatic increase in the | | | | you let it. |