The Difference between the Barrel Racing Divisions

Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event.  The team of horse and rider must complete a pattern called a clover leaf which is created by running around three barrels set up at specific distances in an arena.  This means that there is a precise measured distance between the start line to the first barrel, the first barrel to the second barrel, and finally the second barrel to the third barrel.  The person whose horsemanship skills combined with the athleticism of his or her horse, completes the triangular pattern with the fastest time wins the event. 

The timer begins recording when the start line is crossed by the swift moving horse, and it ends when the barrel pattern has been completed and the horse and rider blaze back across the finish line.

In specific clubs, Barrel Racing events are set up with separate classes, such as youth or senior classes.  However, divisions are the most common way to separate the horse and rider teams.  The divisions are determined by the speed a horse runs the cloverleaf pattern.  The Divisions or D races are split using the designations:   1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D.  1D class are run by the horses and riders with the fastest times.  The National Barrel Racing Association splits the divisions into categories determined by .5 seconds.  The fastest time is a 1D, then the 2D would be 5 seconds slower than the 1D time.  6D is reserved for horses and riders that run the course more slowly or perhaps for young horses schooling. 

After a time, horses become more consistent, and then are generally advertised with a number and a D, wherever their speed is calculated to fit within a certain division.  An example of this would be the selling of a 1D horse.  This would be in indication to the prospective buyer that this is a fast finished and generally more expensive Barrel Racing horse!