Barrel racing

Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event in which a horse and rider race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. The fastest clean run wins.

Cloverleaf pattern: A three-turn route that loops around three markers in a cloverleaf shape. The rider must follow this prescribed route around the barrels.
Western riding: A style of riding developed from the working practices of North American cattle ranches. Barrel racing uses the riding tradition and tack associated with Western horsemanship.
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association: A United States organization that sanctions professional rodeo competition for women. It sanctions major barrel racing competitions and maintains event rules.
Pole bending: A timed equestrian event in which a horse and rider weave through a line of poles. Both events reward speed and agility, but pole bending uses a slalom course instead of barrels.
Electric eye: An electronic timing beam that records when a competitor crosses a start or finish line. A beam starts and stops the clock as the horse passes the arena line.
Reining: An equestrian discipline that tests a horse's precise execution of prescribed maneuvers. Its controlled turns and responsiveness overlap with skills used around barrels.
National Finals Rodeo: The annual championship rodeo held by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Las Vegas. Barrel racing is among the events contested at this leading rodeo.
Breakaway roping: A timed rodeo event in which a rider ropes a calf and the rope breaks away from the saddle. Both are timed rodeo events, but breakaway roping tests roping rather than patterned turns.
Barrel racing penalty: A competition penalty applied for rule violations, including knocking over a barrel. Touching or tipping a barrel can add time or disqualify a run, depending on the rules.
Curb bit: A bit that uses leverage through a shank and curb chain or strap to act on a horse's mouth. Some barrel racers use curb bits for refined control, though equipment choices vary.

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