- In barrel racing, a rider and a horse race around three barrels (located in a triangle at the center of an arena) in a pattern that is very similar to a three-leaf clover. The objective is to race around the barrels in the fastest time without knocking any of them down.
- Barrel racing started out as a game for women. Barrel racing was first meant as an activity for women while men rode bulls or roped. The origins of barrel racing as competition began in Texas. However, very little is known about the specific beginnings or details of the event's development.
- Barrel racing is one of the fastest growing equestrian events for females in the United States. The event is especially popular in the West. Some excellent characteristics about this event is that there is no age limit, and although it is primarily focused toward women, both genders can participate.
- Barrel racing can be an expensive event. If you intend to be seriously competitive in barrel racing, it is absolutely necessary that you purchase a high-quality barrel horse. Barrel horses cost more or less depending on their skills and temperaments. Good horses can cost between $50,000 and $60,000. Other important factors are the animal's athleticism, desire to please and drive.
- The most important part of barrel racing is speed. The riders will manipulate their horses as close as possible to the barrels to conserve time. For barrels that get knocked over, riders suffer a five second penalty to their final time. In barrel racing, 13 or 14 seconds are both typical winning times. However, according to the arena size, the time standards can vary.
