How to Barrel Race

Riding a horse is an exciting and rewarding hobby, even if you just ride the trails on weekends. If you are competitive and would like to add more excitement to your riding, compete in local barrel racing shows, or go on the road to professional level rodeos. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Three barrels
• Open area to set up barrels

1. Warm your horse up before starting on the barrels.
2. Set up three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. There should be about 80 feet between the first and second barrel, and 90 feet from the first and second barrels to the third barrel.
3. Make a starting point about 60 feet away from the first and second barrels, right in the center. If you have an arena this would be where the entrance gate is.
4. Walk your horse down the center, aiming at the third barrel but slightly bending towards the right (first) barrel.
5. Turn towards the first barrel when you are about 20 feet away. Give yourself a small pocket of space so the horse doesn't hit the barrel.
6. Make the tight turn around the barrel, and then head straight for the second barrel. When you are about 10 feet from the barrel, create a pocket of space.
7. Turn left around the second barrel, and then head straight for the third barrel.
8. Repeat the same steps for the third barrel as you did the second, making a left turn. After turning the third barrel, you will head straight for the starting point again.
9. Ride your horse through the barrels at a walk until he knows the pattern. You can then start trotting through the pattern.
10. Loping through the pattern will take time. You may not be able to lope or run through the pattern for at least a month or more.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time when teaching your horse to barrel race. If you rush, he may not learn things correctly.
• When practicing the barrels, always end the day with a walk through the pattern.
• Never run your horse through the pattern until he knows what he is doing.
• Don't run your horse through the barrel pattern too often. This will make him think the barrels are hard work, and he may start to act up and not want to go through them.