mercredi 10 juillet 2013

Barrel Races Are Not Just For Women Anymore

By Freda Watts


The largest event for women at rodeos is barrel racing. In this event, competitors race around 3 barrels arranged in a a diamond design. They guide their mounts around the barrels in a clover leaf configuration. The barrel races end quickly. They can take as little as 17 seconds. Racers are not far apart in their closing times, which can be less than a second apart.

This popular activity has risen from a modest start during the 1930s. Texas is attributed to being the state where it was first competitively introduced at the Stamford, Texas Cowboy Reunion. This was a weekend rodeo which in 1932 included a horsemanship program for girls that involved riding in a figure eight pattern while circling barrel obstacles.

In 1935, the figure eight was changed to a clover leaf pattern, which has become universalized. In the early period, the pattern alternated between a figure eight and its eventual successor. Eventually the more challenging design became dominant as the figure eight was dropped in favor of the more difficult pattern. The race was not judged according to the shortest time run until 1949.

The individual and the steed must race at quickly in snug turns without coming in contact with the arranged obstacles. The need for strength, agility, and speed is a test for the horse. The combined efforts of the horse and rider are at their best demonstrations of a magical harmony. This develops over a period of time as competitors become more seasoned. The exacting demands of the sport have been a decisive factor in its growing appeal.

The first cask is called the money barrel as it determines the final result. The competition has developed over time. Earlier, the horses used were those considered unsuitable for other riding events. Today, specialist trainers focus on training for this specific purpose.

Expert breeders are also breeding horse strains with an enhanced ability to perform in these competitions. The optimal steed must combine speed with control. It must be capable of making sharp quickly.

Certain inherent traits and physical factors make some types of horses optimal contestants. Quarter horses are the most common breed. Their ability for speed spurts over a short distance is needed. Appaloosas, paints and Arabians are also popular breeds. They are selected for their special attributes. Intelligence, agility, athleticism, sturdiness, powerful legs, a low center of gravity and a good distribution of weight are some of the reasons for their appeal.

Progress continues. Enhanced attributes are being developed by focused breeding programs. Improvements in training techniques have brought greater technical refinement. Men have entered the sort formerly restricted to women alone. Their participation has led to a surge in organizations established for the male fraternity. Preparation for barrel races reaches into youth programs that train young riders. These are offered by racing organizations and regional and local associations. This activity can be enjoyed by the entire family.




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