essays on barrel racing

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Informative Essay: The Sport Of Barrel Racing

Has anyone ever flipped on the TV and on came a Rodeo? The audience probably sees cowboys riding bulls and broncs, tackling cattle, and roping steers, all for the fun of the game and for the paycheck for risking their lives for the world’s entertainment. In the middle of all those cowboys though are the few cowgirls who take part in the sport of barrel racing. The cowgirls usually make it look easy, three turns at breakneck speed to beat the clock and win the money. Has anyone ever considered though how those Cowgirls make their horses turn that hard that fast and the most efficient ways they do it?

Barrel racing is a very competitive sport that involves a lot of time and dedication. Unlike most sports, barrel racing is a year round sport the does not have “seasons. ” The point of barrel racing is to run around three, preset, empty, fifty-five gallon, barrels in the fastest time. Knocking over one of these barrels will result in a no time or a five second penalty which is very costly. To most people five seconds seems like nothing but in the sport of barrel racing it can mean winning the race or not even in the top one hundred.

In 1948 women made a home in the sport of Rodeo. Women were finally allowed to allow their sport, barrel racing, into the sport of Rodeo . After that occurred the Girls Rodeo Association GRA was formed and is now called Women’s Pro Rodeo Association WPRA. The Women’s Pro Rodeo Association schedules and decides where and when the members of the WPRA run which are all female.

Although men are allowed to barrel race just not in the WPRA. If one would want to join the WPRA they have a website set up with the membership application that one would have to fill out, one must be 18 or lder to be in the touring WPRA but kids 17 years old and younger may join the junior WPRA. The Junior WPRA involves barrel racing and under Roping Programs. Both of the membership applications are a pdf so it is easy to get access to and you can choose to mail or fax the document directly to the WPRA. In the sport of barrel racing unlike your typical sports of basketball and volleyball the size of the court or arena may vary. In some arenas a 14 second run may win the race but in another arena a 19 second run may win the race.

The only requirements for an arena to hold a barrel race is the first and second barrel must be at least fifteen feet off the fence and the third barrel must be a minimum of 30 feet off the back fence. The standard size of an arena is one hundred thirty feet wide by two hundred feet long. The eye or timer is sixty feet from the first and second barrel, here is ninety feet between the first and second barrel and there is one hundred and five feet from the first and second barrel to the third barrel.

When anyone looks at the women on TV and see them running, one will see that they all have their own style of clothing. None of the cowgirls dress alike or look-alike because they all may express their own personality. Although they can express their own personality through the brands of clothing and the colors, there is a basis they have to follow. They must wear a pair of jeans of some sort, a collared shirt when running professionally which means you are running for the WPRA.

They must also wear cowboy boots, and it is optional to wear a cowgirl but again if one is running for the WPRA the cowgirls are required to wear one. Once one has packed for themselves and completed what they need to do, they begin packing for their horse. The basic items most people with horses that barrel race will load for their horses is a saddle, saddle pad, bridle, sport boots, bell boots, breast collar, wither strap, cinch, girth, over under/bat, tie down, halter, lead rope, hoof picks, brushes, blanket or sheet epending on the weather, feed, hay, water, hay bag, shovel/ pitchfork, and first aid supplies.

When most people look at barrel racing they see a horse and a rider turn three barrels super fast and run out the gate to get their time, but what does the horse need to know to do this? Before the horse can even be started on barrels the horse needs to know the fundamentals, such as side passing, flexing and bending, pivoting, and being supple to the bit. One now ay be wondering, what does those words even mean ? Side passing is where the horse moves sideways off the rider’s inside rein and leg pressure.

Flexing and bending is where you pull the rein to your knee so the horse’s head has to follow that teaches the horse to give in to pressure. Pivoting is where to horse will spin a three hundred and sixty degree circle not picking their inside leg, they do this off the rider’s leg pressure and picking up the rein. The last fundamental they need to know is being supple to the bit which means when the rider puts pressure on the horse’s mouth the horse moves away from it and when the rider pull the horse’s mouth the horse follows its nose and turns into it.

Although the horse looks like it’s doing a lot of the work, the rider does have to help the horse in knowing where to go. When the horse and rider are running at any of the three barrels the rider has to make sure that the horse has five feet to the side of the barrels which is called the pocket. If the horse gets in the pocket they will more than likely knock the barrel because they do not have enough room to turn the barrel correctly. Although it is not guaranteed that the horse will knock the barrel if it gets in the pocket but it is likely.

The rider also has to make sure the horse finishes the barrel. When a horse finishes a barrel it turns it all the way around and does not blow out, which is when the horse fights the bit or the rider does not pull the horse all the way around it like there supposed to. Those two mistakes may cost the horse and rider a lot of time, which that causes one to get less money too. When the horse and rider are not competing at shows they are at home working on both the horse staying correct and the rider riding correctly. Some of the ways barrel racers keep their horses in check are by doing drills.

Drills are patterns that keep the horse doing things the way they are supposed to. Drills may not even be using the barrel pattern to keep the horse correct. Drill may use one barrel or six barrels, it all depends on what the rider likes to do and what keeps that horse correct because all horses are different and all riders ride differently. Although the horse might have done the drill before it does not mean that they are going to continue to do it correctly, that is why the rider needs to know how to do the drill to.

The rider also has to make sure that the horse is doing it correctly to see any improvement in the horse’s skills. That is why quite a few barrel racers will ride with a trainer or another person who will tell them if they see the horse doing something wrong that the rider did not catch being on the horse’s back. In the sport of barrel racing if one pays attention to how riders warm their horses up and how one may take care of their horse, one will notice not many people do the same thing as anyone else.

Everybody will do something different and somebody may not agree with it, but if you look at all the professional barrel racers out there in the world one will notice that all of those riders must have done something right with their riding skills and keeping their horse correct to make it that far. So if one drill does not work for your horse try something else and it might work better. As Sherry Cervi a famous barrel racer said “You mentally get a hold of yourself and don’t let that moment control you. You do what you’ve done a million times. You go get around three barrels. “

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Barrel Racing: All You Need To Know About This Intense Sport

Barrel racing is a fast, intense, and dangerous sport that is seen mainly in rodeos and other western riding competitions. Believe it or not, mostly women and girls compete in barrel racing and usually men and boys will compete only at the youth and smaller rodeo competitions.

What Is Barrel Racing?

Barrel Racing is a timed event where horse and rider must run around three barrels as fast as possible. The barrels are arranged in a triangular shape and the horse and rider must run around them in a clover-leaf formation without knocking over any of the barrels. The fastest team with the best score wins.

Where Did Barrel Racing Originate?

The first barrel racing competition was intended for women only and was actually the first equine sport women could compete in. The first official barrel racing began in 1928 in Stamford, Texas, and only consisted of two barrels. Horse and rider would run for the barrels, go right around the first, then left around another, and race back as fast as possible.

The barrel racing we know today, consisting of three barrels, didn’t start until 1935. It was in this year that a third barrel was added. Though this was the year that modern barrel racing began, it wasn’t really judged professionally until 1949.

It is thought that barrel racing became an official sport in 1948. It was first recognized as a sport in that year by the WPRA (Women’s Professional Rodeo Association) and true timed and judged barrel racing competitions began the following year (1949).

What Is Expected Of The Horse?

In barrel racing, the horse is expected to gallop to the barrels and run around the first barrel and turn as fast as possible without knocking it over. The horse would then gallop to the second. When turning around the second barrel, the same is expected as when turning around the first. A horse should turn as tightly as possible around the barrel without knocking it over. After rounding the second barrel, the horse will then gallop to the third barrel, turn it without knocking it, and gallop as fast as possible out of the barrel pattern and back through the gate.

The clover-leaf pattern should be completed in the shortest time possible without knocking any barrels over. Horses and riders are allowed to touch the barrels, but not tip them over or bump into them.

Do Barrel Horses Like Their Job?

I have friends who run barrels with their horses and from what I’ve heard, their horses absolutely love running the pattern. Some horses can’t hardly even be held back from running the pattern as fast as they can at just the sight of barrels. Horses like to please their owners, riders, and handlers so if the horse is trained to run this specific pattern they feel it is their duty to do it the best and fastest they possibly can.

I think that this sport is something that some horses love to do.

Is Barrel Racing Dangerous?

Barrel racing is one of the more dangerous sports in the equine world. Part of this is because the riders aren’t required to wear helmets. Another reason that barrel racing is considered dangerous is because the horses are running and turning so fast that there is a chance the horse or rider may fall. This is not a rare occurrence and serious injuries caused by falls are seen frequently in this sport.

Barrel Racing Patterns

Barrel racing is run in a pattern that is shaped like a clover-leaf. Horses can start the pattern by running for the right barrel first but must end on the furthest barrel. The horse will do a figure eight around the first two barrels then loop around the last before running back toward the gate.

Barrel Racing Penalties

The main penalty given to a horse running the barrel pattern is given when a horse knocks over a barrel. The consequence for knocking the barrel is an additional 5 seconds is added to the horse and rider’s time. Sometimes, knocking a barrel makes the horse’s time too slow to win the competition.

World Record Barrel Racing Time

The fastest clocked barrel race time was 13.11 seconds. This achievement was won by a rider named Hailey Kinsel who was riding a Palomino horse named DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” This mare was just 6 years old at the time of her achievement!

How Old Does A Horse Need To Be Before It Starts Running Barrels?

A horse shouldn’t be too young when starting to run barrels for health risks to a growing horse. The youngest age I would ever consider to be okay is three to four years old.

Horses shouldn’t be started in this sport too young because of how tough this sport is on their bodies, especially their legs. The cartilage needs to have fused in their joints before they should be ridden at all, let alone used to barrel race.

At What Age Should A Horse Stop Running Barrels?

A horse will usually let their rider, owner, or handler know when they are ready to be done. Horses should not be used for this high intensity sport over the age of 20 to 25 depending on the horse’s health. One of my friends used an old gelding named Fireball for competitive barrel racing right up into his mid 20s. Some horses can engage in these activities more often and longer than others.

What Do Barrel Racers Wear?

Because Barrel racing is a western sport, most barrel racers are seen wearing cowboy hats before, during, and after their runs.

Boots with a good heel are a must when running barrels. The last thing you want to happen is to have your foot stuck in the stirrup, fall, and get dragged through the arena. Wearing a good sturdy pair of western cowboy boots with a heel will keep this from happening.

Not all barrel racers will wear spurs at it depends on the horse. If a horse requires spurs, then spurs will be used when strapped to the rider’s boots. Some horses need the rider to use spurs to drive the horse forward faster, while other horses don;t require the extra encouragement to run.

Any shirt is acceptable to wear when running barrels. T-shirts and button up flannels are the most common shirts to see being worn by a rider in this competition.

Boot cut jeans are a barrel racers best friend when it comes to clothing. Boot cut jeans cover the top part of the rider’s boot and are relatively comfortable to wear.

Barrel Racing Tack

Barrel Saddle

A barrel saddle is a western saddle that is specifically designed for the barrel racer. A barrel saddle will have a high pommel and high cantle to help keep the rider in the saddle when rounding such tight bends.

Saddle Pads

Sometimes colorful western saddle pads are used in barrel racing to give the horse a more bright colorful appearance. Sometimes, barrel racers will intentionally match their tack with their other riding equipment and tack for the soul purpose of catching the eye of the crodn and put on a show.

Flashy Breast Collar

It is common to see a barrel racer having a flashy breast color. Flashy breast colors can come in nearly any color and can be adorned by tassels or siiver.

Flashy Bridle

Sometimes a barrel racer’s bridle will match their breast color. Other times, it is possible that the bridle might have the same pattern as certain equipment used on the horse such as on the saddle, but more commonly the breast collar. I actually own a matching breast color and bridle that are adorned both with the same silver studs. The two go great together.

Hailey Sipila

Horses have been my passion ever since I can remember. At school, I was known as that weird horse girl, and I would read horse encyclopedias for fun. Over the years since those days, I have only learned more. My experiences with horses of a variety of breeds have taught me a lot. Now I want to share what I know with you!

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Barrel Racing Rhetorical Analysis

Barrel racing is an event famous among cowboys where a horse rider has to complete a pattern set around barrels. The scores of the race are calculated in terms of the time span that has been used in completing the cycle. Barrel racing is a recreational and professional sport that can be conducted at different levels. In most cases, barrels are placed at the center of the arena and the horse rider has to utilize their maneuvering skills combined with the horse’s athletic capacity to complete the race at the fastest time. Therefore, this race is based on skills and energy on the animal’s side. Barrel racing has become famous in the contemporary society and different social groups have been formed to help in making the sport a famous tradition. The Facebook group “everything barrel racing,” brings a clear perspective on the sport and activities that help with promotion of the sport. The rhetorical analysis will look into the Facebook group and the online discourse that the members of the club have. The Facebook group has been instrumental in bringing together enthusiasts of barrel racing also in promotion of the sport.

The online discourse in the group has a great influence in promotion of the sport. The Facebook group has a membership of over 20,000 individuals who are spread all over the United States and Canada. The language applied on the group pertains to horseracing and the health of horses that could be used for the rodeo event. The Facebook group also uses language that promotes the aspect of horseracing and barrel racing in the community. Promotional posts in the group highlight on upcoming events and announce on the status of events that are collectively organized on the group. The genre of the online discourse is majorly sport based. The participants of the group talk about sport events that come up within their local regions, purchase of sport related gears and preparation of their animals for the sport. The Facebook group has a provision for the sale of horses that could also be used for the sport. This is an influential model that the group engages the enthusiasts of the sport on the game as they seek to better their performances. The Facebook group applies a great use of linguistic analysis and genre to ensure the promotion of barrel racing within their local communities.

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The group has a strict audience, which includes of barrel racing participants and fans. The group also has a slight audience to animal health specialists and traders who sell products and animals that are specific to the game. The audience of the online group makes a great determination of the posts and communication that they make. The group recognizes organization of sport events within different regions all over USA and Canada. These organizers seek to promote the game from one region to the other. The online group has a strict aim of promoting interaction between barrel racers and horse keepers. The online group targets the two individuals (the rider and the horse) as they will enhance the marketing activities for the game. Most importantly, the online group promotes sale of horses and game gears that could help in ensuring a better game within each time. “Everything barrel racing” also aims to increase the interaction between lovers of the game and participants in the game. These aims are properly curated to ensure that barrel racing could be promoted, horse health can be taught to the keepers and better comprehension of the codes of the game. The online group is instrumental in the growth of better perception towards barrel racing.

The Facebook groups helps in shaping the content and influences the audience in different ways. Primarily, the group is controlled and limited to materials, which are only related to the sport of barrel racing. The group also has moderators and administrators who ensure that all of the members have knowledge about barrel racing and talk about relevant materials to the sport. Therefore, this forum shapes the content of the community by engaging them in different issues related to their animals. For instance, the group talks of the best gears that they should have when preparing for a race and the best health practices to apply on their animals. On the other hand, the audience is influenced to follow expert and specialist guidelines in preparing for races and taking care of their animals. The use of these aspects helps in making the animals better for the sport, also in promoting the sport in various communities.

The online group applies critical steps towards encouraging barrel racing. The group champions the creation of events where barrel racing could take place. Educational and sensitization initiatives are also undertaken in the online group to help in promotion of the sport to an agreeable level within the community. These factors create a significant way to appeal to the barrel racing enthusiasts.

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Barrel Racing Industry Mourns Loss of BFA World Champion “Streak Gypsy Streak”

The Pete Oen-campaigned World Champion mare, Streak Gypsy Streak, succumbed to complications due to colic on Monday, April 1, 2024. 

• Author: Kaitlyn Woodman

Streak Gypsy Streak was by the legendary A Streak of Fling and out of a well-known mare in the barrel pen, Hip Swingin Gypsy. The 2019 mare carried Pete Oen to his first Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) Juvenile World Title in 2022 and boasted a lifetime earnings of over $135,000 at the time of her passing. 

Oen jockeyed the mare to multiple top finishes in addition to their World Championship. On the mare’s first competition run, they won fourth place in the BFA Super Stakes, which paid $15,000 for their efforts. 

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Additionally, the mare boasted a Bronze globe from the 2023 AQHA World Show, a Reserve Lucky Dog Futurity Championship, a Reserve Breeders Challenge Futurity Championship, a top 20 finish in the timed trials at the Old Fort Days Futurity, and many more. Not to mention, the mare was named the No. 1 money earner by A Streak of Fling in 2022 after only competing in two events that year. 

Just one month before the mare’s passing, her owner, Angela Richardson, was also called home after a courageous battle with cancer. Richardson was Gypsy and Oen’s biggest fan and was said to love the team like no other. 

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Although the void left by "Gypsy" and Richardson is vast, there is comfort in knowing they are together again and their legacy lives on through the next generation of legendary barrel horses and their loved ones. 

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