This all-women’s rodeo event is a display of fine horsemanship as the rider and horse maneuver through a course racing against the clock. Timing is truly everything in barrel racing as a contestant’s run is measured in hundredths of a second.

Entering the arena at full speed, the horse and rider race to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in a triangle formation before exiting through the entrance. Precision and partnership are vital in barrel racing. Dirt flies as the horse and rider try to “hug the barrels” as close as possible to remove seconds from their time. Riding at top speed, the rider must be accurate or else they risk knocking over a barrel and adding a penalty of five precious seconds to their total time. In an event where every second counts, there is no room for error.