Barrel Racing History

  Barrel racing is an event in a rodeo, where the horses ability and the horsemanship of the it's rider are combined, to successfully ride through a clover leaf pattern of 3 barrels. The barrels are placed in the middle of an arena in a triangular pattern.

 In 1931 was when a girls event was started in Stanford, Texas. A weekend rodeo called "Cowboy Reunion" added an event for girls 16 and over. The first year the girls could only do very little such as participate in minor rodeo activities, leading of parades, and being available for the cowboys to dance with and talk to at the social events held at night.

  In 1932 girls started to get prizes they went in a figure 8 pattern around barrels. They got judged off of three things most attractive riding outfit, best horsemanship, and the best mount.

  The pattern got changed into a clover leaf pattern in 1935. It was not until 1949 did it get judged off of fastest time.

  Now days barrel racing is a popular event. The goal is to have the fastest time. You get timed by an electronic eye.

  Barrel racing is a professional sport held in the NFR (National Final Rodeo). The fastest run is held by Taylor Jacob in the 2016 NFR running a 13.37 second run.

This is Taylor Jacobs and her horse Bo who lead her to an arena record.