2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

121 Section 17. Barrel Racing Class Description: Barrel Racing is a timed event. Exhibitors are to run a set pattern around the barrels. Arena Arrangements: Bright colored 55 gallon steel drums with at least one end closed must be used. There shall be no rubber or plastic barrels or barrel pads used. The barrel course must be measured exactly according to the diagram and cannot exceed these dimensions. However, if the course is too large for the available space, the pattern should be reduced five yards at a time until the pattern fits the arena. Adequate space must remain between barrels and any obstacle. The distance from barrel number three to the finish line need not be reduced five yards at a time if there is sufficient room for the horse to stop. When measuring the area for the barrel course, allow ample room for horses to complete their turns and stop at the finish. It is recommended there be at least 45 feet from the starting line to the front fence of the arena, at least 18 feet from barrel #1 and #2 to their respective side fence and 36 feet from barrel #3 to the back fence of the arena. B. Class Procedures: 1. Starting line markers or electric timer, when possible, shall be placed against the arena fence. An electric timer, or at least two watches, shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric timer or average time of the watches used by official timers to be the official time. 2. Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse’s nose passes over the finish line. 3. The contestant is allowed a running start. At a signal from the starter, the contestant will: a) Run to barrel #1, pass to the left of it and complete an approximately 360 degree right turn around it. b) Proceed to barrel #2, pass to the right of it and complete a slightly more than 360 degree left turn around it. c) Then go to barrel #3, pass to the right of it and do another approximately degree left turn around it. d) Then sprint to the finish line, passing between barrels #1 and #2. e) This barrel course may also be run to the left. For example, the contestant will run to barrel #2, turning around it to the left, then to barrel #1, turning around it to the right, then to barrel #3 turning around it to the right, followed by the final sprint to the finish line between barrels #1 and #2. f) A contestant may touch the barrel with his/her hand. Barrel Racing Pattern Dimensions of Standard Barrel Pattern: 45 feet from end of arena to start/finish line 20 yards from start/finish line to line between barrels #1 & #2. At least 18 feet from barrels #1 & #2 to the fence on the relevant side. 30 yards between barrels #1 & #2 35 yards between barrels #1 & #2 and barrel #3 36 feet from Barrel #3 to end of the arena.