The Barrel Racing Pattern?
The barrel racing pattern is set up in a clover leaf design. The fastest time around the 3 barrels wins. You start by crossing the start line. You turn around the three barrels and then run back to the start line where your time stops.
Right or Left Barrel First
You may go to the left or right barrel first. Most people begin with the right barrel first as the horse turns it on the right lead and the other 2 barrels are to the left and the horse is on the left lead. Most horses are naturally left leaded, so 2 left turns are easier. Just like people are left or right-handed some horses are better to the right. A right leaded horse would start on the left barrel and the second and third barrel would be to the right with the horse on the right lead.
Barrel Racing Pattern Left and Right Starting Barrel
Distance Between Barrels
A Standard Size Arena
A standard size arena is 130 feet wide by 200 feet long, so the barrel distances are as follows:
- 60 feet from the starting line, called the scoreline, to the 1st or 2nd barrels
- 90 feet between the first and second barrels
- 105 feet from the 1st and 2nd barrels to the 3rd barrel
- There should be at least 25 feet between the third barrel and the back fence
How to Set Up the Barrels in a Small Arena
The standard pattern is quite large. In smaller arenas reduce the size by five-to-10-foot increments for each measurement. For example, you could keep the minimum of 30 feet from the starting line to the first barrel. Have 80 feet between the first and second barrel and 95 feet between the first and third and second and third barrel. It is important to keep the barrels a minimum of 18 feet away from the fence. The third barrel should be no less than 25 feet from the back fence.
What’s a Good Barrel Pattern Time?
A good run for a pattern based on a standard size arena would be any time under 17.50 seconds. Sixty seconds is the cutoff. If you haven’t completed the course by then, you’re out of the race. Hitting a barrel shaves five points off your time and missing a barrel entirely means disqualification.
Going Fast Around the Barrel Pattern
Barrel racing combines both speed and flexibility, which is not an easy challenge for most horses. Going as fast as you can doesn’t always result in the fastest time. It is better to go slower and make the pattern as perfectly as you can which will result in a better time. We have all seen fast horses blow by the barrels and a horse that is going slower and turning the barrels tightly wins the race.
Beginning to teach the Barrel Pattern
When you are just starting out remember to practice at a speed you feel comfortable. Begin by going at a walk or trot and focusing on giving all the proper cues to your horse. Make sure your horse is listening well and doing everything correctly before increasing speed. Focus on keeping your lines straight and your turns tight and you will be on your way to having a winning time in barrel racing.
Sources: Rule Book | WPRA
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Have a wonderful day friends!
Rosanna
