About AQHA - Disciplines
Barrel Racing

Barrel Racing is one of the most exciting speed events of all with exhibitors racing against the clock, following a course consisting of three barrels in a triangular “clover leaf” pattern. Time starts when the horse’s nose crosses the starting line. Contestants must choose either the right or left barrel, circle it, and go on to the next barrel, completing the course after turning the third barrel. Barrels are permitted to be touched, but if one or more is knocked down during the course of the run, a five-second penalty per barrel is added. Contestants are also penalised five seconds if their hat blows off their head during their run.