Editing Barrel racing (section)

==Modern event==
Today, barrel racing is a part of most [[rodeo]]s, and is also included at [[Gymkhana (equestrian)|gymkhana or O-Mok-See]] events, which are generally amateur competitions open to riders of all ages and abilities. In amateur competition other related speed events (such as [[keyhole race]] and [[pole bending]]) may be added. Barrel racing at this level is usually an event in which riders are grouped by age. There are also open barrel racing jackpots, some open to all contestants no matter their age or gender.

The main purpose of barrel racing is to run a set pattern as fast as possible. The times are measured either by an [[electric eye]], a device using a laser system to record times, or by a judge who drops a flag to let the timer know when to start and stop the clock. Judges and timers are more commonly seen in local and non-professional events.  The timer begins when horse and rider cross the starting line, and ends when the barrel pattern has been successfully executed and horse and rider cross the finish line. Success depends on several factors, most commonly the horse's physical and mental condition, the rider's horsemanship abilities, and the type of ground or footing (the quality, depth, content, etc. of the sand or dirt in the arena).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rodeo.about.com/cs/barrelracing/a/barrelbasics.htm |title=Barrel Racing Basics - Timed Rodeo Event |publisher=Rodeo.about.com |access-date=October 13, 2015 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017022811/http://rodeo.about.com/cs/barrelracing/a/barrelbasics.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Image:Barrel course.png|thumb|Diagram of a Barrel Racing Course. Riders enter at the red line, circle around the 1st barrel, proceed to the 2nd barrel, and then continue on to the 3rd where they will complete the pattern and finally exit the course crossing the red line a second time. This pattern is often referred to as a "Cloverleaf". The pattern may also begin with the left barrel first.]]  Beginning a barrel race, the horse and rider will enter the arena at top speed, through the center entrance (or alley if in a rodeo arena). Once in the arena, the electronic timer beam is crossed by the horse and rider. The timer keeps running until the beam is crossed again at the end of the run.

Modern barrel racing horses not only need to be fast, but also strong, agile, and intelligent. Strength and agility are needed to maneuver the course in as little distance as possible.  A horse that is able to "hug the barrels" as well as maneuver the course quickly and accurately follow commands, will be a horse with consistently fast times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com/horse-games.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226112312/http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com/horse-games.html |url-status = dead|archive-date=December 26, 2008|title=stock-horse-show-source.com |publisher=stock-horse-show-source.com |access-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref>