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Title: Barrel
Racing for the Fun of It
Author: Bill Dunigan
Here is a sport for everyone. This activity offers to its
enthusiasts the relaxation of the outdoors coupled with the
excitement of speed and the unparallel connection with an animal
many times larger, stronger, and faster than the individual
mounted on top. The only judge involved is the clock. You wont
find any style preferences, attitude, or subjective opinions
here. Either you have the fastest time or you don't.
Barrel racing has been around for years. It has been a game
event in numerous competitions for decades where men, women, and
children have enjoyed displaying their expertise at top speed
for all to see. Most often the first exposure to it comes from
watching the Rodeos. The cowboys introduced barrel racing into
their list of events so their wives and girlfriends would have
something to compete in at the Rodeos. However, throughout the
rest of the world it is open to and participated in by all.
The race is relatively simple at first glance. It consists of
three barrels placed at specified distances in an arena in a
triangular pattern, referred to as a cloverleaf pattern.
Different associations have their own recommended distances. A
general guideline would be ninety feet from the first to second
barrel and ninety feet to the third. These distances vary
anywhere from sixty to one hundred and five feet. However, once
set, it remains the same for all competitors in that race. The
competitor enters the arena at one end and proceeds at top speed
around the first barrel and then proceeds across the arena to
the second, which must be turned in the opposite direction from
the first. Next they proceed down the arena to the third barrel,
which must be turned in the same direction as the second barrel.
Then it's down the centerline at breakneck speed across the
finish line. That's it, fastest time wins.
I have been teaching riding and barrel racing for years and
have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of individuals
wanting to learn to barrel race. They don't say " I want to
learn to ride", instead what I am hearing is "I want to barrel
race". Of course like the saying goes, that is really putting
the cart before the horse. I normally don't have any problem
resolving the situation. Usually the horse explains it rather
quickly, and much better than I could. After that they
understand just why they need to learn to ride and control the
horse before asking for speed. Then there are those who have
been riding for some time and desire something different or more
challenging. For these riders things move along much more
quickly. They already have the basics and simply need the
technical aspects. However, even for some of those with
experience it takes some getting used to for the speed. Once
that is accomplished, there off and running.
Barrel racing is a wonderful activity for anyone who enjoys
being outdoors, excitement, an adrenalin rush, and the chance to
really communicate with horses. When you travel at top speed
your communication skills need to be on time and accurate. This
is one sport that seems to hold the interest of entire families.
Even the teenagers stay with it. That could be due to the fact
that most of the time you win cash and not ribbons.
If you think that your ready for a little excitement, don't
hesitate, give it a try. Don't be put off by the idea of
competing or even the speed. Many of my students don't go out
and start competing right away. Some never want to compete. They
simply want to enjoy having the ability to do it and the
opportunity to give it a try. Most of all they are thrilled to
be able to do something so completely different from anything
they have ever done before. Barrel racing provides them that
fulfillment and excitement, and I feel certain that it will do
the same for you if you let it.
You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided
there are no changes made to the article and credit is given to
the author and the link to his website remains in place. Please
notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You
may contact Bill Dunigan through his website:
http://www.BarrelRacingClinic.com
About the author:
Bill Dunigan has been teaching and competing in excess of 40
years. He has taught and competed in Barrel Racing,
Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Dressage and served as President of a
local Dressage Association. During this time, he Fox Hunted four
days a week with two different Hunt clubs, one of which he
served as Joint Master. Bill qualified six years in a row for
the World Championships with the National Barrel Horse
Association.
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in articles on this website are those of the
author(s) of each story or article and not necessarily those of
Shadow Ridge. Shadow Ridge does not necessarily agree with,
support, or endorse any definitions, treatments, opinions or
statistics stated by these authors. They are entirely
responsible for the content of their respective story(s) or
article(s).
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