It is believed that competitive barrel racing was originated in Texas; where the WPRA was developed in 1948, by a group of women, who were searching for a place in the sport of Rodeo.

In the beginning, the WPRA was known as the GRA (Girls Rodeo Association).  They started out with 74 members and only 60 approved tour events. The year 1981, was the year that the GRA changed their name to the WPRA (Women's Pro Rodeo Association).

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How is this event laid out?

In barrel racing the purpose is to make a run as fast as possible. The times are measured either by a device using a laser system to record times, or by a judge who drops a flag to let the timer know when to hit the timer stop. Judges and timers are more commonly seen in local and non-professional events. The timer begins when horse and rider cross the start line, and ends when the barrel pattern has been successfully executed and horse and rider cross the finish line. The rider's time 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.

 

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.

To the right, you will see a sample of a typical Barrel Racing Pattern.  Strength and agility are two important factors to horses that compete in Barrel Racing.