How Do I Size Down the Barrel Pattern?

Barrel racing is a popular event at both rodeos and horse shows. This speed contest uses a triangular pattern of barrels, requiring the contestant to make a circle around each one to create a cloverleaf pattern. Barrel racers can start to either the left or the right, provided they complete the required pattern. The barrel racing pattern can be resized to accommodate different size arenas, and you can use the same size adjustments at home in your training regimen.

Things You'll Need

  • Three barrels
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the arena or riding ring where you want to put the barrel pattern, and use that to determine the basic shape of the barrel pattern. If the space is long but narrow, it is best to place the first two barrels relatively close together, while leaving enough space for the horse to turn and make a circle around each one. The last barrel can be placed as far away from the other two as possible, completing the triangular barrel pattern. If you have a rounder space, placing the barrels an equal distance apart to form an even triangle can be more effective.

    • 2

      Review the barrel patterns at the horse shows and rodeos where you show most often, and use the same basic shape, scaled down, for your own training arena. If most of the rodeos and shows you attend use a long and narrow pattern, using a similar pattern at home can help you adjust your horse's stride. If you show mostly in wider arenas with larger patterns, making a similarly shaped pattern at home can help with your training.

    • 3

      Measure 10 to 15 feet from the fence and place one of your barrels there. If you are training a new horse and teaching him the barrel pattern at a slower speed, it can help to place the barrel closer to the ring to give the horse a focal point to start the turn. As your horse gets more comfortable with the pattern, moving the barrel farther from the fence can help him build speed and give him plenty of space to make those fast turns.

    • 4

      Place the remaining two barrels the same distance from the fence as the first one. Move the barrels away from the fence 5 feet at a time to make the pattern smaller as you need to. Using a similarly sized pattern to what is used at the shows you attend can help in your training, but it is also a good idea to adjust the pattern from time to time. Changing the size of the pattern can prevent your horse from dropping his shoulder in anticipation of the turns, and help keep his mind engaged and active.