Choosing a Barrel Racing Horse

They always make it look so easy while they blaze from barrel to barrel circling like lightning and exploding towards home.  What looks easy usually isn’t.  Barrel racing champions can spend years looking for a horse with explosive athleticism, good substantial bone and excellent conformation.  A calm mind is a must as well.

It’s true, whoever runs the pattern the fastest wins, however, choosing a good barrel racing horse must be determined by the level of experience of the rider.  Older horses with a strong barrel racing foundation should be chosen for riders new to this game.  Often horses in their teens and twenties are still running strong, so a beginner should not avoid them because of their age.

More experienced riders can afford the luxury of “making” their own barrel racing horse by purchasing a prospect.  This way, they can train the horse and create the habits and specific ways of running and turning etc. that they prefer.

Quarter horses dominate the sport; however, any breed can be entered into most rodeo organizations.  Many top barrel racers choose to cross speed bred horses, such as racing Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds with cow bred horses.   This combination gives them the speed and the lightning fast turns that are going to make a winner.  Other riders prefer smaller more maneuverable horses, and thus they stay within the cow horse lines.  Keep in mind, there is not a good or bad choice for bloodlines when it comes to a barrel racing prospect.  Some popular barrel racing lines are:  Dash for Cash, Firewater Flit, On the Money Red, Easy Jet, and Frenchman’s Guy, just to name a few.

Everyone will agree that conformation is the most important aspect of choosing a barrel racing horse.  Many people prefer a horse with a lower center of gravity, so that they are steadier on their feet; however, many champions have been 16 hands tall or sometimes even taller.  A short back, good shoulder and hip angles, a powerful hindquarter and good straight legs that can take a lot of concussion are important.  A good manageable temperament is also important, along with a desire to win attitude that fires up only when it is asked.  This kind of temperament can be challenging to find, as many horses will lose their heads, and become increasingly difficult to handle, outside of the arena as well as inside of it, once they get a taste for speed.

So carefully assess your riding level and then shop around for the perfect fit.  Over time, each person determines their own unique likes and dislikes.  Being comfortable and feeling safe on a large mass of muscle that is moving at lightning speed is the most important, so choose wisely, and most of all have fun!