Barrel Horse Racing - Learning the Basics
Also called rodeo barrel racing, this type of horse racing event was invented as the woman’s version of traditional rodeo. Today, barrel horse racing has evolved into a legitimate sporting event enjoyed both by men and women in many places in the country.
Barrel horse racing is a competitive event where the objective is to reach the finish line first, but many people also find it fun to watch. The course of a standard barrel horse race involves an open field with three barrels placed in predetermined distances from each other, forming a triangle. The objective of the race is for each rider to finish the course in the least amount of time while going around each barrel in a path similar in shape to a cloverleaf. The actual positioning of the barrels is determined by the race organizer.
As soon as the racer starts towards a barrel, the timer starts running as well. A helpful hint to aspiring riders would be to enter this turn at a slight angle rather than heading for it straight on. Great control in navigating the turns is essential as well.
Upon circling the first barrel, the rider must immediately head towards the second one, where he has to do exactly the same thing but in the opposite direction. Finally, the rider must head towards the final barrel. Once this has been completed, the rider must return to the starting line at once. Only then will the timer stop and the score will be determined.
Among the three barrels, the hardest one to go through is the first. Many racers say that this is because the speed at which they tackle this turn is very high and can put them in a very precarious position. It’s also worthy of noting that you can be eliminated from the race if tip over the barrel. However, if you manage to pass over it with no mishaps, you will earn the possibility of getting some extra cash.
In some occasions, it can’t be avoided that your horse might experience their version of stage fright or nerves, during which they will absolutely refuse to enter the racing grounds. Racers call this reluctance “barrel sour” and usually, it can be remedied by making the horse feel relaxed and giving her a short respite from the pressure and hassles of barrel horse racing.
In order to compete in barrel horse races, your horse should be in top physical condition, with the capacity for high speeds and sudden stops.
Does Paintball For Girls Equal True Equality?
There are certainly women who do play paintball, but they are overwhelmingly outnumbered by the men, although all girl soccer teams, work outings and even family celebrations have all been used as an excuse to go paintballing with the best of them.
As with the men, the biggest groups of women who choose to have a go are generally the teenagers and the young adults. Apparently paintball for girls is not quite so hip once they reach their mid thirties.
But paintball for girls is not something that is often read about or promoted, either in magazines or on the internet. There are certainly dedicated pockets of women who do indulge on a regular or semi regular basis, but these are few and far between.
The Sport Of Men?
It’s understandable that this is a very manly kind of sport – waving guns around, diving for cover and getting muddy and covered in paint does generate an image of guys having fun rather than girls – but is paintball for girls really a no go area? If it is, is this due to feeling out of place, self conscious – or something else?
As children we are brought up with the thinking that boys play with guns and cars, and play rough games in the playground at school. Girls on the other hand have to play with dolls and prams, and are more likely to have imaginary friends coming to their tea parties than an urge to crawl through the undergrowth waving a gun around.
Fitting In With Society’s Expectations
So are these expectations to blame for the lack of women playing paintball? Or do women feel intimidated by the fact they are so out of place? After all, paintball for girls doesn’t fit society’s picture of women. When it comes to real war zones, we still think of men as the ones who go to fight, while the women stay at home. There are women who go, but they are overwhelmingly in the minority.
In this sense, paintballing mirrors real life more than we may care to admit. Paintball for girls is an option, but it’s an option that not many girls choose to take up.
