What Does a Guy Need to Barrel Race?

Barrel racing is commonly seen at rodeos. It consists of riders navigating horses through a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, taking one right turn and two lefts, to see who can complete the route in the fastest time. Like any sporting event, there are attributes and equipment each rider should possess for victory.

  1. Bits

    • Hardware that fits inside the horse's mouth and exerts pressure on it are known as "bits." These are often fitted on the horse and used by the rider to gain greater control of the horse. Bits are essential to barrel racing. Common bits used for barrel racing are draw/gag bits, which add pressure with flex and collection, and combination bits. Combination bits can be used both in training and competition. For more seasoned horses, hackamore bits are often used.

    Reins

    • When it comes to barrel racing, riders typically want to equip their horses with one-piece reins to reduce the chances of losing control during the sprint. Reins are the means by which the rider communicates directional commands to the horse. Think of reins as a type of steering wheel for horses. Martha Josey Knot one-piece reins are recommended for barrel racing. These reins can be adjusted in length and offer a good grip.

    Tie-Downs

    • Tie-downs compliment the bit, providing additional security and support for the horse during turns and stops. The most common type of tie-downs used in barrel racing are leather ones. Leather tie-downs are wide, allowing the horse support without digging into the animal. Other varieties of tie-downs used in barrel racing are rope tie-downs and chain or wire tie-downs.

    Patience

    • Before you learn to run, you have to learn to walk. In the case of barrel racing, before you can race through the course, it's best for a trainer to slowly walk the course with his horse. Doing this teaches the horses the proper turn points along the course. Once the horse has the walking portion down, the rider can gradually increase the pace until the horse is going full speed through the course. This can be a timely process, taking as much as one year before the horse is fully comfortable going full speed through the course.