Editing Barrel racing (section)

==Rules and pattern==
In barrel racing, the fastest time wins. Running past a barrel and off the pattern will result in a "no time" score and disqualification. If a barrel racer or her horse hits a barrel and knocks it over there is a time penalty of five seconds (sometimes more), which usually will result in a time too slow to win.  There is a sixty-second time limit to complete the course after time begins.  Contestants cannot be required to start a run from an off-center alleyway, but contestants are not allowed to enter the arena and "set" the horse.  At professional rodeos, it is required that the arena be [[harrow (tool)|harrow]]ed after twelve contestants have run.  Barrels are required to be fifty-five gallons, metal, enclosed at both ends, and of at least two colors.  Competitors in the National Barrel Racing Association (NBRA) are required to wear a western long-sleeved shirt (tucked in), western cut pants or jeans, western hat, and boots. Competitors are required to abide by this dress code beginning one hour before the competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cowgirls Barrel Racing|url=http://www.pbbanow.com/NBRA%20BARREL%20RACING%20RULES.pdf|website=NBRA|publisher=www.pbbanow.com|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715055413/http://www.pbbanow.com/NBRA%20BARREL%20RACING%20RULES.pdf|archive-date=July 15, 2011}}</ref>

Standard barrel racing patterns require measured distances between the start line and the first barrel, from the first to the second barrel, and  from the second to the third barrel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Barrel Racing Pattern|url=http://www.barrelracingclinic.com/BarrelPattern.htm|website=Clinic@BarrelRacingClinic.com|publisher=www.barrelracingclinic.com|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704123636/http://www.barrelracingclinic.com/BarrelPattern.htm|archive-date=July 4, 2008}}</ref>

Usually the established distances are as follows:

* {{convert|90|ft}} between barrel 1 and 2.
* {{convert|105|ft}} between barrel 1 and 3 and between 2 and 3.
* {{convert|60|ft}} from barrels 1 and 2 to score line.

In a standard [[Women's Professional Rodeo Association|WPRA]] pattern, the score line begins at the plane of arena, meaning from fence to fence regardless of the position of the electric eye or timer.

In larger arenas, there is a maximum allowable distance of {{convert|105|ft}} between barrels 1 and 2, and a maximum distance of {{convert|120|ft}} between barrels 2 and 3, and 1 and 3. Barrels 1 and 2 must be at least {{convert|18|ft}} from the sides of the arena — in smaller arenas this distance may be less, but in no instance should the barrels be any closer than {{convert|15|ft}} from the sides of the arena.

Barrel 3 should be no closer than {{convert|25|ft}} from the end of the arena, and should be set no more than {{convert|15|ft}} longer than the first and second barrel. If arena size permits, barrels must be set {{convert|60|ft}} or further apart. In small arenas it is recommended the pattern be reduced proportionately to a standard barrel pattern.

The above pattern is the set pattern for the [[Women's Professional Rodeo Association]] (WPRA), and The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

The National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) use the following layout for governing patterns:

* A minimum of {{convert|15|ft}} between each of the first two barrels and the side fence.
* A minimum of {{convert|30|ft}} between the third barrel and the back fence.
* A minimum of {{convert|30|ft}} between the time line and the first barrel.

===Competition technique===
The approach to the first barrel is particularly critical. The rider can decide whether to go to the left or the right barrel first. Each turn in barrel racing is, ideally, a relatively even half-circle around the barrel that takes about three strides. It is best to use the inside leg while going around the first half of a barrel, and the outside leg in the second half. In approaching the second barrel, the horse must do a [[flying change]] of lead and rider must identify the correct spot to approach the turn around the second barrel. The turn around the third and final barrel is in the same direction as the second barrel. Completing the third and final turn, horse and rider race for "home", the line that stops the timer and ends the run.

As the horse sets up to take the turn, the rider must be in position as well, sitting deeply in the saddle, using the inside hand to guide the horse through and around the barrel turn. The rider's leg to the inside of the turn is held securely along the girth to support the horse's rib cage and give them a focal point for the turn. The athleticism required for this maneuvering comes from optimum physical fitness of the rider and especially the horse. Improper preparation for such a sport can cause injury to both horse and rider. Injury can be avoided by using the proper protection for both horse and rider.