What is Barrel Racing Anyway?

Barrel racing is one of the most unique events in the rodeo world. While cowboys are holding down bucking broncs and spinning bulls, cowgirls are charging through the gate in a race against the clock. The faster the rider completes the pattern, the higher up on the leader board the pair will land. Barrel racing truly is one of the fastest events in rodeo.

Barrel Racing Basics

Barrel racing pairs horse and rider in a race against the clock. Three barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern in the arena, and the rider must cleanly negotiate the pattern. The distance between the barrels differs by organization, but averages distance are: 90 feet between barrels 1 and 2, 105 feet between barrels 1 and 3 and barrel 2 and 3, and 21 feet between the start line and barrels 1 and 2. The rider enters the arena at a gallop and runs toward the first barrel. A rider can choose between starting at the left-most or right-most barrel and turns a complete circle around the barrel.

The rider then steers her horse toward barrel 2, circles it, and charges toward barrel 3. After rounding barrel 3, the rider pushes her horse toward the finish line at top speed.

Placing

The ultimate goal of a successful barrel racing run is to negotiate the cloverleaf pattern in the fasted time without knocking over any barrels. A tipped barrel adds 5 seconds to the rider's final time, and any deviation from the cloverleaf pattern results in a no score. Most riders enter the arena at a full run, reaching maximum speed before they hit the timer. Riders aim to make a small pocket around the barrel, giving them a little cushion as the horse bends his body around the barrel. This pocket reduces the chance that the horse will tip over the barrel. The rider can choose to make either two left turns and one right turn, or two right turns and one left turn, depending on which way their horse turns the best. After rounding the last barrel, the rider asks the horse to run as fast as possible back to the start line, and the timer stops as soon as the horse's nose crosses the barrier. Most organizations use an electric timer with a sensor that automatically starts and stops when the horse runs past the sensor. These timers are much more accurate than a judge with a stopwatch, and eliminate the chance of human error.

William on Day 10

Sir William on Day 10. He is walking and trotting very well considering the two inches of rain that we just had the night before. 

I took this video during feeding time so he was slightly excited for his grain.

Our Motocross Trip to the Millville started out a tad rocky but we made it! Those boys will know to properly use tie straps next time!

Sir William

A gelding that I own contracted West Nile. The results have not come back to confirm from the lab but I am treating him with medications as though he does. (under the direction of my veterinarian) He has greatly improved and I am shocked at the results of the treatments. He was vaccinated for this in June and he still contracted the virus.

Encephalomyelitis in horses caused by infection with the West Nile virus. In the United States, 10 to 39% of infected horses show signs. Once signs appear, the death rate is approximately 30%.

This virus has been identified in all of the continental United States, most of Canada and Mexico. Several Central and South American countries have also identified WNV within their borders. The virus is transmitted from avian reservoir hosts by mosquitoes (and infrequently by other bloodsucking insects) to horses, humans and a number of other mammals. West Nile virus is transmitted by many different mosquito species and this varies geographically. The virus and mosquito host interactions result in regional change in virulence of the virus and no prediction can be made regarding future trends in local activity of the viruses. Horses and humans are considered to be dead-end hosts for WNV; the virus is not directly contagious from horse to horse or horse to human. Indirect transmission via mosquitoes from infected horses is highly unlikely as these horses do not circulate a significant amount of virus in their blood.

Prayers have worked and he continues to show progress daily. I am hoping we are out of the woods and recover more and more every day! Videos to follow if I can get them to upload...

This video is of when he first began showing signs:

I have his legs wrapped because of his uncoordinated walking with his front legs. He was beginning to get sores from losing his balance. This is by far the worst disease/sickness that I have seen in all the years that I have owned horses. It is heartbreaking because you feel helpless and all you want to do is make them feel better and comfortable. The virus needs to run its course and medications assist with the swelling of the brain and spinal cord (That is what West Nile does to horses).


This is a recent video taken after his treatments:

My Monkeys!

Dakota

Carter

Wyatt

Eva