Originally a sport developed by rodeos for their wives and girlfriends, barrel horse racing has become a sport event where everybody can join.
Barrel horse racing has been in existence for quite a while now. It is basically a game event that aims to display speed.
The race is quite simple to watch. It is played on an arena with three barrels arranged in an isosceles triangle pattern on which the goal of the racer is to gain the fastest speed by circling the 3 barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. While there could be standards as to the distance of each barrel, governing bodies normally have various preferences on how far each barrel needs to be set from one another.
The typical distance is 90 feet from each barrel. However, some may also use 60 feet up to 100 plus feet. The setting is applicable to all competitors.
The game begins as soon as the racer enters the arena for the first barrel. On this, the rider must enter with a slight angle since its much simpler for the racer if he would not come straight onto it. A whole turn must be accomplished on the first barrel before moving to the second one.
A second turn, but this time around an opposite one, will need to be made around the second barrel. And again, the rider will need to race for the third barrel. The 3rd barrel then will need to be circled around in the same direction as the second one. Following a complete loop, the rider will have to accelerate back to the starting line, which is also regarded as the finish line.
Like many other horse racing events, horse barrel racing does have its common problems too. We will help you distinguish some of the most common problems and would try to suggest a few things to discover a solution about it. Please keep reading.
The first barrel is generally termed to as the “money barrel”. This makes by far the most difficult turn since the horse has to approach it at full speed. Keep in mind that the primary aim of this game should be to take it as quickly as you possibly can. This is also the most tricky barrel because if you knock it away, you’re certain to be out from the game right away and if you passed over it, you will have the opportunity to take a little cash with you.
The problem though comes with the horse that normally passes over this barrel on account of lack of rate. Because the horse is charging at top speed, it’s got the tendency to become too aggressive. Thus, they will often either knock the 1st barrel off or they could pass over it. This issue is usually resolved through conditioning your horse to perform the turn perfectly.
Some horses generally have problems entering the arena. In cases like this, the horse is called “barrel sour” or “ring sour”. This is known to have rooted from running too much in the arena or during practice. This can be resolved through a little time off the track and giving your horse a rest from the barrel routines. One ideal way of accomplishing this is usually to do trail riding.
Some horses are apt to have no breaks whatsoever. In this case, you mustn’t allow your horse to run unless control is gained upon it. Fix for your problem can start with running at slower gaits until progress is achieved. Run your horse on barrels only when you happen to be confident enough of its speed and its ability to halt.