What is Barrel Horse Racing and Typical Problems Encountered
Originally a sport developed by rodeos for their wives and girlfriends, barrel horse racing has become a sport event where everyone can join.
Barrel horse racing has been in existence for many years now. This is basically a game event that aims to showcase speed.
The race is quite simple to watch. It is played on an arena with three barrels arranged in an isosceles triangle pattern where the intention of the racer is always to gain the quickest speed by circling the three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. While there may be standards as to the distance of each barrel, governing bodies normally have various preferences on how far each barrel needs to be set from one another racing for free.
The general distance is 90 feet from each barrel. However, some may use 60 feet up to 100 plus feet. The setting is applicable to all competitors.
The game begins as soon as the racer enters the arena for the first barrel. On this, the rider must enter at a slight angle since its much easier for the racer if he would not come straight onto it. A complete turn must be accomplished around the first barrel before moving towards the second one.
A second turn, but this time around an opposite one, will need to be made around the second barrel. And again, the rider will have to race towards the third barrel. The 3rd barrel then will need to be circled around in the same direction as the second one. After a complete loop, the rider will need to accelerate to the starting line, which is also considered as the finish line.
Like many other horse racing events, horse barrel racing has its common problems too. We shall help you distinguish many of the most common problems and would try to suggest a few things to find a solution about it. Please read on.
The first barrel is generally termed to as being the “money barrel”. This may cause the most difficult turn because the horse has got to approach it at full speed. Remember that the primary aim of the game should be to take it as quickly as you can. This is also probably the most tricky barrel because if you knock it off, you’re certain to be out from the game in no time and if you passed over it, you will have the chance to take a little money with you.
The problem though comes with the horse that normally passes over this barrel on account of not enough rate. Because the horse is charging at top speed, it’s got the tendency for being too aggressive. Thus, they will often either knock the first barrel off or they may pass over it. This issue is usually resolved through conditioning your horse to do the turn perfectly.
Some horses generally have problems entering the arena. In this case, the horse is referred to as “barrel sour” or “ring sour”. This is known to have rooted from running a lot in the arena or during practice. Sometimes it is resolved through taking some time off the track and giving your horse a break in the barrel routines. One ideal method of doing this is usually to do trail riding racing for free.
Some horses tend to have no breaks at all. In this case, you mustn’t let your horse to run unless control is gained on it. Solution to this problem can start with running at slower gaits until progress is achieved. Run your horse on barrels only once you are confident enough of its speed as well as its capability to halt.