A barrel racer is someone who competes in the equestrian sport of barrel racing, which involves the rider and horse attempting to complete a clover-shaped course in the shortest amount of time. Large barrels mark the course, and the barrel racer will often try to guide the horse as close to the barrels as possible during the turns to save time. The sport was created primarily for women, though young boys and girls may participate; men are less likely to participate.
A barrel racer may be responsible for raising and training the horse he or she rides during the event, though this is not always the case. In order to participate in barrel racing, the rider will often develop a relationship with the horse in order to aid responsiveness during the race, and the horse must be strong and well trained. As a result, the barrel racer must spend a significant amount of time riding the horse both on and off the course; a well-trained horse is less likely to injure itself or the rider, and is also less likely to be slow around the barrels.
A barrel racer must also be knowledgeable about the necessary equipment for the event. Special bits, saddles, and reins may be used, though this depends on the racer’s preference and, in some cases, the horse’s type. A barrel racer will often do several dry runs around the course before a race to prepare herself for the race and the horse for the rigors of the course. Some racers will have coaches who will assist them in determining the best strategy for a given course.
The barrel racer and horse are subject to certain rules and regulations. The racer must wear a tucked-in long-sleeved western-style shirt, and he or she must follow the course’s specific rules. A time penalty will be assessed if contact is made with the barrel. The rider will be disqualified or given a “no time” ranking if the horse and rider go off course. The objective of the race is to complete the course as quickly as possible without colliding with any of the barrels or leaving the course before the time limit has expired. The course must be finished in 60 seconds or less.