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.
Getting Ready To Horse Ride
The first time that you have to put your tack on a horse it may seem a bit confusing and difficult, but it is actually a very simple routine that is quick to establish and helps the horse understand what is happening. Having your horse secured with a set of crossties that fasten to the halter from opposite sides at about normal head height is really helpful as this leaves the rider with both hands to work with the tack.
Before putting on the tack it is important to quickly examine your horse and make sure there are no injuries or leg or foot problems. Slide your hand down each of the legs, pick up the hooves and be sure to pick out all the dirt, mud or debris using a hoof pick. This will prevent the possibility of riding the horse with a rock in the hoof that can cause lameness, plus if your horse has shoes you can also make sure they are secured and in place. Now that you’ve checked your horse’s legs and hooves, it’s time to give a good brushing to his back and body. You can use a curry comb or a dandy brush, but it is important to remove all the dead, loose hair as well as any mud, twigs or other debris that could cause an irritation under the saddle or the saddle pad or blanket.
Since the halter is securing the horse to the crossties, you may want to start with the saddle. Place the saddle pad or blanket straight down on the horses back, just on the highest point of the withers and slide it straight back a fraction of an inch to position it. This ensures that the hair is all flat, if you have to reposition the blanket lift it off the horse, smooth down the hair again with a brush or your hand, then start over.
With the saddle pad or blanket in place, pick up the saddle with your left hand on the horn or pommel and the left hand under the back skirt or the cantle, depending on the saddle type. After securing the stirrups (you don’t want to get clunked in the head), place the saddle in onto the saddle pad just behind the withers. There is a natural depression in the horse’s back that the saddle should sit in. If you have a western style saddle, reach under the horse’s belly and grasp the cinch, make sure it is straight and tighten the saddle from the left side. With an English saddle you may need to walk around to the right side and affix the cinch, then move back around to the left to tighten it.
Because of prior bad handling, many horses can be challenging to bridle. This can be corrected by slow and gentle movements, so always move with a purpose and don’t become excited or angry with the horse. Unbuckle the throatlatch and noseband if there is one, then standing in the same direction as the horse on the left side, hold the bit in your left hand and the top of the bridle in your right. Bring the browband of the bridle above your horse’s head with your right hand, thereby positioning the bit below the lips. Gently insert the bit by raising the top up and over the ears. Position both the bit and the headstall in the right place, then latch the throatlatch and noseband. Avoid banging the horse’s teeth with the bit as this will hurt.
Mounting the horse is the opposite of dismounting and should be done in one fluid movement. Hold the reins in your left hand and grasp a piece of the mane near the saddle. Using the right hand to hold the stirrup, place your left foot in the stirrup, swing your body up and your right leg up and over the back of the horse, gentle sitting down into the saddle. Put the right foot in the right stirrup and you are all ready to go.
