Barrel racing is the biggest event for women on the rodeo circuit. The event involves riding around three barrels set in a diamond pattern in a field. Riders must direct their mounts through a clover leaf pattern. Barrel races take less than 17 seconds to complete. Competitors are often so close there are hundredths of a second separating one from another.
From humble beginning in the 1930s, this sport has continued to grow to become a highly popular part of rodeos. It is believed that the competitive sport was first introduced in Texas. Early beginnings have been traced to the 1932 holding of the Stamford a weekend rodeo, the Texas Cowboy Reunion. In this year it held an event for girls where horsemanship was demonstrated by riding in a figure eight configuration around barrels.
A few years later, the configuration was changed to a clover leaf pattern in 1935. Thereafter, this layout became the universal design used over time. During the early period, use of the initial patterns alternated. Finally, the tougher challenge of the flower design won out in competitive usage. Since 1949 the contest has been judged on the basis of the finishing time.
Its appeal blossomed with appreciation of its rigorous demands. The demand for agility, strength, speed is a test and testament to the intangible alchemy between the mount and its rider. The racer and steed must make close turns at high speed without striking any of the barrels.
The first marker has become known as the money barrel as this turn determines the fate of the run. The game has evolved over the years. While the horses originally used were animals found unsuitable for other equine events. Now, professional trainers specialize in training for this purpose.
Breeding programs are raising horses specifically for this purpose as well. The ideal horse has to fast and able to control its pace. It needs to maintain its composure to make the precise turns of the race course at a high speed. Travel schedules can test endurance. The horse needs to handle the stress and keep the hunger to win alive.
Certain inborn qualities and physical traits make some breeds of horses better contestants. Ultimately, it may be the harmony between the individual and the horse that triumphs in this contest. Presently, quarter horses dominate the equine member of this relationship mainly because this breed is built for surges of speed over brief distances. Appaloosas are also a popular breed used in these events. These equines are appreciated for their stamina. This intelligent breed has the important traits suited to this activity. Being fast, agile and sturdy it has the key attributes required for this test. Arabians and Paint horses are also considered to be suitable for this activity. A Paint is recognized for being a very friendly breed. It is also intelligent and athletic. It has powerful, muscular hind legs good for turns and speed. The species has a superior distribution of weight and because of its small stature, a low center of gravity. Arabians are very responsive to human contact. They have a long past of human acquaintanceship. Their strong spirit is a boon for this hardy challenge.
Evolution in this challenging event has continued as breeding programs develop improved strains and training methods have improved. Once confined to women, males have recently begun to participate seriously in barrel races. Fraternities have sprung up with a focus on male racers. Training for youngsters is offered by a number of regional and local riding institutions and racing associations. The whole family can become involved in this activity.
From humble beginning in the 1930s, this sport has continued to grow to become a highly popular part of rodeos. It is believed that the competitive sport was first introduced in Texas. Early beginnings have been traced to the 1932 holding of the Stamford a weekend rodeo, the Texas Cowboy Reunion. In this year it held an event for girls where horsemanship was demonstrated by riding in a figure eight configuration around barrels.
A few years later, the configuration was changed to a clover leaf pattern in 1935. Thereafter, this layout became the universal design used over time. During the early period, use of the initial patterns alternated. Finally, the tougher challenge of the flower design won out in competitive usage. Since 1949 the contest has been judged on the basis of the finishing time.
Its appeal blossomed with appreciation of its rigorous demands. The demand for agility, strength, speed is a test and testament to the intangible alchemy between the mount and its rider. The racer and steed must make close turns at high speed without striking any of the barrels.
The first marker has become known as the money barrel as this turn determines the fate of the run. The game has evolved over the years. While the horses originally used were animals found unsuitable for other equine events. Now, professional trainers specialize in training for this purpose.
Breeding programs are raising horses specifically for this purpose as well. The ideal horse has to fast and able to control its pace. It needs to maintain its composure to make the precise turns of the race course at a high speed. Travel schedules can test endurance. The horse needs to handle the stress and keep the hunger to win alive.
Certain inborn qualities and physical traits make some breeds of horses better contestants. Ultimately, it may be the harmony between the individual and the horse that triumphs in this contest. Presently, quarter horses dominate the equine member of this relationship mainly because this breed is built for surges of speed over brief distances. Appaloosas are also a popular breed used in these events. These equines are appreciated for their stamina. This intelligent breed has the important traits suited to this activity. Being fast, agile and sturdy it has the key attributes required for this test. Arabians and Paint horses are also considered to be suitable for this activity. A Paint is recognized for being a very friendly breed. It is also intelligent and athletic. It has powerful, muscular hind legs good for turns and speed. The species has a superior distribution of weight and because of its small stature, a low center of gravity. Arabians are very responsive to human contact. They have a long past of human acquaintanceship. Their strong spirit is a boon for this hardy challenge.
Evolution in this challenging event has continued as breeding programs develop improved strains and training methods have improved. Once confined to women, males have recently begun to participate seriously in barrel races. Fraternities have sprung up with a focus on male racers. Training for youngsters is offered by a number of regional and local riding institutions and racing associations. The whole family can become involved in this activity.
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