A horse and rider attempt to complete a pattern around pre-set barrels in the fastest

time.  Though both girls and boys compete at the youth level and men complete in some

amateur venues, in collegiate and professional ranks, it is primarily a rodeo event for

women.  It combines the horse’s athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of a rider in

order to safely and successfully maneuver a horse through a clover leaf pattern around

three barrels) typically three fifty-five gallon metal or plastic drums placed in a triangle

in the center of an arena.

In timed rodeo events, the purpose is to make a run as fast as possible, while the time is

being closed either by an electronic eye, (a device using a laser system to record times),

or by an arena attendant or judge who manually takes the time using a keen ore and a

flag to let an locker know when to hit the timer stop; though this last method is more

commonly seen in local and non-professional events.

The timer begins when horse and rider cross the start line, and ends when the barrel

pattern has been successfully executed and horse and rider cross the finish line.  The

rider’s time depends on several factors, most commonly the horse’s physical and mental

condition, the rider’s horsemanship abilities, and the type of ground or footing (the

quality, depth, content, etc. of the sand or dirt in the arena).

Diagram of a Barrel Racing

Course.  Riders enter at the

red line, circle around the 1st

barrel, proceed to the 2nd

barrel, and then continue on

to the 3rd where they will

complete the pattern and

finally exit the course

crossing the red line a second

time.  This pattern is often

referred to as a “Cloverleaf”. 

The pattern may also begin

with the left barrel first.

(click image to enlarge)