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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
  
Location: Canada | I have a question for those who host or attend jackpots with 100+ entries.
How do you get through them so quickly?
I'm from Canada and honestly 40 people at a local jackpot is large and it takes an hour to run through it once. As soon as we get to 100 people it takes HOURS (3-4 sometimes) to get through them. I see advertisements for jackpots with over 1000 people (I'm assuming super shows) and I'm wondering how the heck do they run them so quickly.
I'd love to hear how the bigger shows in the US run or any tips on getting through the jackpots faster.
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 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | These are some of the things I have noticed. They usually have 2 to 3 tractors running the drags. They typically have holding pens for each drags so the riders are there any ready and they give the riders a 60 sec time limit to get their horses into the arena or they disqualify them. An lastly they have paid barrel setters for each barrel. Most of the big shows here and run between 50 or 60 an hour. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 224
Location: Southern OK aka God's Country | The drags make a big difference. Having 2-3 tractors is a HUGE help. Also, the gate person and gate configuration can make things faster/slower with regard to getting people in and out. Another thing at big races that is getting more attention (deservedly!) is better software that's keeping people up to speed on the draw, current placings, results, etc, and that's www.rodeogo.com. I went to a race in Denton, Texas that had over 400 entries and it was SO nice knowing what number they were on, who was winning, etc. without having to ask everyone around you. And for people that hang out in living quarters until they get close to running, they don't have to keep calling and checking--it's all live on the website that you can access from any smartphone (an app would be even better!!).
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
 
| AMEN on the drags! Some of our summer jackpots only have 30 entries and they take FOREVER because there is one SLOW tractor. |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| We have an arena in VA that sometimes draws 70-80 peeps. The tractor owner refuses to 'go fast' on his tractor. I now refuse to go to those shows. Another arena regularly draws 100+ but will use some power on the tractor and we get thru the 100+ hours faster than the 'slow' tractor arena.
The big super shows have 2-3 tractors and drivers who know their stuff. I think they must have a 'pattern' they run too! LOL! But even at those shows the average is 50 runs per hour. I know Booger had a way of getting 60 per hour run but not sure how since I never attended one of those shows. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | A good crew 
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2014-02-07 11:21 AM
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 Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | Drags don't need to take so long........IF
the tractor driver would only drag the area where were running NOT the entire fricken pen!
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | our local races have 180-200+ total runners. we run all classes in the same draw, and then sort the entries as they run. We usually end up with 150+ in the open, and 40ish in the senior and adult. The first race of the year we had 70 YOUTH RIDERS! good grief. these are no added money shows.
Because this is a local organization we tend to run a bit slower. all barrel setters are volunteers and all office staff are volunteers. we pay the tractor driver and the jackpot secretary. we get about 35 an hour with one tractor driver. we do big drags at 50.
At the production shows with paid staff, the way they keep things moving is-
1- at least two tractor drivers
2- time limits in the alley
3- gate staff keeping people in holding pens
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Veteran
Posts: 234
| I am not a producer but have attended many jackpots over the past 50 years. It seems to me that it takes multiple tractors at least 3 used during the drag, of which they know which barrel each is responsible for and which way they are all going to work. At times it looks like synchronized chaos. Also the alley set up is so that the horse leaving the arena passes the entrance quickly to allow the next rider to come in quickly and get started. And above all a great gate man in the alley to run the show. Communication Communication Communication to all the workers responsible for running the show. I Think D&G crew does an excellent job of running off a large barrel race I wish they would put a video out on how they work different ground before a show. |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| Doing regular drags and "big drags". So you're only dragging the barrels themselves on each drag and then every 50 (i think) doing a big drag of the whole pen.
Having a tractor and drag that is an appropriate size for the arena. Too small for the arena is just as bad as too big. |
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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. |
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 BHW Jr. Cougar of the Year
Posts: 14957
Location: Heart of Texas | We can have up to 200 at local association barrel race around here. Especially during the winter. 2-3 tractors are a must. There are alley rules too. You rarely, if ever, see someone circling or attempting to walk their horse up the alley. They call your name, you go.
Edited by T-Zip 2014-02-07 11:55 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | AWESOME.. thanks so much for the suggestions. Please if anyone else has some keep them coming :) |
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 I Want a "MAN"
Posts: 3610
Location: MD | lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-07 11:19 AM We have an arena in VA that sometimes draws 70-80 peeps. The tractor owner refuses to 'go fast' on his tractor. I now refuse to go to those shows. Another arena regularly draws 100+ but will use some power on the tractor and we get thru the 100+ hours faster than the 'slow' tractor arena.
The big super shows have 2-3 tractors and drivers who know their stuff. I think they must have a 'pattern' they run too! LOL! But even at those shows the average is 50 runs per hour. I know Booger had a way of getting 60 per hour run but not sure how since I never attended one of those shows.
Which arena in VA? Also starting on time, sounds simple but it seems like when shows don't get started on time they end so late. I give props to anyone that puts or helps put on barrel races. It's very thought out and can be so stressful I don't think I could do it! lol |
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 My Eating is Horrible
Posts: 1719
Location: GA | in addition - a good announcer.
An announcer can either slow a show down or push it on thru. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 133
| Also, the announcer can help out too. Not talking too slow. There is a race I've been to and good grief the announcer talks like molasses! It takes a loooonnng time to even say the name of the team going. It does slow the race down even when there's only 50 entries. So annoying! |
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 Texas Lone Star
Posts: 5318
Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked | Start the race on time.... there are shows that have exhibition runs before the actually race...that's great, but just because you've over book the t/o or have a few snafu's during that time and start running late so what.... cut the t/o off and refund money back to those that didn't get to run. Get the show started on time. I along with several other's I know really rely on the show starting time...since some of us have to work weekends and still want to run. |
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | Yep, the well run efficient races all seem to have multiple tractor drivers that have a routine down so drags are quick and effective as well as a separate warm up pen and a holding pen for the racers in that drag.
We went to a race a year back or so, large large outdoor pen, one tractor, the pen was sand so it was a roller type drag and I'm not kidding, I was in a panic because I was number 1 on my first horse and number 6 on my next horse and only had about 15 horses between that one and the 3rd horse...lets just say I had PLENTY of time....Holy Moses that was SLOW.  |
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | 40 in an hour is a good deal. I figure it takes a WHOLE minute for one rider. That is 60 riders an hour or 60 minutes. Then to have a tractor usually 1 that drags 3 barrels. For the tractor to drag fast leaves a lot of pot holes for the next set of runners. So only the very first set of runners have the best ground and any after the very first 5 are SOL have the crapiest ground not to mention the craters those horse have to charge through sometimes crashing and falling and how is that FAIR for the next 50 runners. By driving slow it fills the holes and makes for safe ground. Unless God changes the time ratio 80 minutes to equal one hour or a time warp. Your just going to have to DEAL with it cause when it comes to horses you just have to wait. |
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Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| CE's wrapn3 - 2014-02-07 12:57 PM lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-07 11:19 AM We have an arena in VA that sometimes draws 70-80 peeps. The tractor owner refuses to 'go fast' on his tractor. I now refuse to go to those shows. Another arena regularly draws 100+ but will use some power on the tractor and we get thru the 100+ hours faster than the 'slow' tractor arena.
The big super shows have 2-3 tractors and drivers who know their stuff. I think they must have a 'pattern' they run too! LOL! But even at those shows the average is 50 runs per hour. I know Booger had a way of getting 60 per hour run but not sure how since I never attended one of those shows. Which arena in VA? Also starting on time, sounds simple but it seems like when shows don't get started on time they end so late. I give props to anyone that puts or helps put on barrel races. It's very thought out and can be so stressful I don't think I could do it! lol
Bedford is slow. Appomattox is fast. Herndon is faster when they have two tractors. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Aqhaczy - 2014-02-07 1:21 PM Start the race on time.... there are shows that have exhibition runs before the actually race...that's great, but just because you've over book the t/o or have a few snafu's during that time and start running late so what.... cut the t/o off and refund money back to those that didn't get to run. Get the show started on time. I along with several other's I know really rely on the show starting time...since some of us have to work weekends and still want to run.
Amen! There are several organizations around here that post the start time as "will not start before xx.xx" I get that they make money on the exhibitions that run prior to the race but not starting until 9:00 or later doesn't work for people who have to get up and go to WORK. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 421
Location: Texas!! | Another thing to help speed things up, is for the barrel setters to set the barrels up as soon as they are knocked down, you don't have to wait for the horse to leave the arena. I know at local shows they are usually volunteers and may not know. |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | jbw tx mom - 2014-02-07 11:24 AM I am not a producer but have attended many jackpots over the past 50 years. It seems to me that it takes multiple tractors at least 3 used during the drag, of which they know which barrel each is responsible for and which way they are all going to work. At times it looks like synchronized chaos. Also the alley set up is so that the horse leaving the arena passes the entrance quickly to allow the next rider to come in quickly and get started. And above all a great gate man in the alley to run the show. Communication Communication Communication to all the workers responsible for running the show. I Think D&G crew does an excellent job of running off a large barrel race I wish they would put a video out on how they work different ground before a show.
In Chucks words...they tear the hell out of the dirt. It doesn't matter what kind it is. Then they go to watering it correctly for its "type" and laying back down for the race. |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | RunNitroRun......if you are from Alberta and do a race please PM me details, thanks! |
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 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM
Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up.
Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM
ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM
Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up.
Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag.
I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels. |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
Diane wasn't judging. At small jackpots you'll get away with what your describing but at the big ones, when its your turn its forward motion only. If you need to train do it during an exhibition, that's what they are there for. Its not rushing you, its being curteous to the others. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
Here the exhibitions are to school your horses and when the open starts when they call your name and if they have to call 3 times your out, and no lopeing circles to get the right lead either, forward motion only. This is for the large or small barrel races. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
Its about like having trouble getting in the gate. I've made sure to post it on my flyers that you get 3 calls and don't expect the gate person to help you. Bring your own helper or you will be DQ'd. I've gotten tired of the same people showing up run after run causing the jackpot to get over later than it should because they have trouble at the gate. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:43 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
And I agree Diane was not judging these are the rules at most barrel races. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | Thanks so much for all the replies. Usually there isn't an alley way just an open gate and gate keeper. The suggestions have certainly given me some ideas for the next jackpots. Thank you so much to everyone who replied.
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:48 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:43 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
I don't see it as judging either....just the way most big shows and more and more little shows are running their show........YOU need to be prepared to run by the show's rules and I agree with your (FH1454) own statement........if you can't (or won't) make a run according to those rules....don't go! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| NJJ - 2014-02-08 6:46 PM
Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:48 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:43 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels.
I've ran at a lot of events and there has never been a problem, large or small. So It could just be your part of the country, because here no one cares. It's however you want to go in. I wasn't meaning she was specifically judging (although it kinda came out that way) more of, around here, we don't care how you want to run. If you have enough room, circle if you need to. That is how all races, big or small, are around here. (Within reasonable time, of course, don't spend 5 minutes getting ready, generally 2 circles max and go). I don't circle mine, since she is much better running through now. I'm simply saying that around here, it doesn't matter. And it shouldn't matter. IMO |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| We also only have gate people if there is no arena attached to the pen (which is how it is at my 2 favorite places I run), then it is a closed pen and you have to be stopped (under control) before the gate will open (you can run in still), otherwise no one down there. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1552
Location: PA | No schooling during your run. You miss the barrel, you miss the barrel, get out of the arena. No circling the barrel twice/three times........... One shot, your done! Not fair to others in your drag and also slows down the show. In/out! I like it at the shows where you are fined if you do this!! The $$$ then goes to charity. |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 9:11 PM And it shouldn't matter. IMO
I disagree, as do most producers who put on shows of 100+ entries or more.......It DOES matter........If every one of the 100 entries takes just a "mere" 30 seconds to WALK in the gate and circle a couple of times, it ADDS almost 1 hour to the show.....it is ONE of the biggest time consumer "hogs" for a show producer. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 9:11 PM NJJ - 2014-02-08 6:46 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:48 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:43 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels. I've ran at a lot of events and there has never been a problem, large or small. So It could just be your part of the country, because here no one cares. It's however you want to go in. I wasn't meaning she was specifically judging (although it kinda came out that way ) more of, around here, we don't care how you want to run. If you have enough room, circle if you need to. That is how all races, big or small, are around here. (Within reasonable time, of course, don't spend 5 minutes getting ready, generally 2 circles max and go ). I don't circle mine, since she is much better running through now. I'm simply saying that around here, it doesn't matter. And it shouldn't matter. IMO
And where are you from? |
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Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Too far from home | We don't run any big commercial barrel races, but have had several at our home that have been in the 90's and 100's. Here's what we do:
Start on time. Keep announcing the amount of time til you start and keep pushing exhibitions/time onlys to get them done.
Lasers help with setting barrels quickly.
When a barrel is knocked down in a run, set it back up before he/she finishes.
We only have 1 tractor, but have a system and be running when the last person on the drag crosses the line.
Be announcing the next 5 to the holding pen and the next 5 after that to get to the holding pen.
Start calling the first runner before the tractor shuts off.
Two of the main things barrel racers are looking for in a barrel race (these are really only my own beliefs) are that the GROUND is good and it's run QUICKLY. We just kind of try to set an atmosphere of efficiency and speed. Hope that helps. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | I love holding pens. I thought I wouldn't, but it really makes it run off fast when you don't have to wait for a yo yo horse to run backward trying to get him in.
Have good ground in the alley, especially if the gate is closed.
You can't please everyone, but it's so important to be nice. Be firm to the trouble makers, but be nice.
The circling before, I know a lot of people like to do it, but my way of lookin at it is, a horse will have to learn some day that the alley means business and he better get his feet right. He will. You might mess up the first a few times, but it will iron out and he will be more solid as a result. If I go to a pen that I hate because of the set up, I absolutely go back, over and over until we master it. I don't wanna have to turn down a good opportunity because my horse has to circle 3 times and me chanting his mantra to nail the first.
So don't let people chew you out too much, because whatever rules you make, somebody will be mad. If they never come back, I wouldn't count it as a loss. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | NJJ - 2014-02-09 8:56 AM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 9:11 PM And it shouldn't matter. IMO I disagree, as do most producers who put on shows of 100+ entries or more.......It DOES matter........If every one of the 100 entries takes just a "mere" 30 seconds to WALK in the gate and circle a couple of times, it ADDS almost 1 hour to the show.....it is ONE of the biggest time consumer "hogs" for a show producer.
Yes it does matter, since some of the barrel races can get over 150 and more at the smaller and over 400 at the bigger shows and they have rules. |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| Rules are rules, I just dont like it when some are called out for making a circle when the producers daughter is facing the wrong direction and side passing across the entire arena without a word said. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | At our typical jackpots (25-30 ppl normally) people we aren't super sticky about if your circle, or timing you out for a gate issue. 90% of the time it's the same ladies who come to all the local jackpots and sometimes issues arise. I've yet to time someone out for schooling at the gate at the local jackpots we host simply because we're usually all friends and no one cares if it takes a bit longer to school a horse. We've shuffled the next person up if it's taking a bit longer then a min or two but that would never fly at something bigger. Here it's small local jackpots where we're at least well acquainted with one and other and these occasions are few and far between and we're okay waiting on a fellow BB who needs the occasional bit of extra time. I have friends a couple hours away who have to invoke a time limit, or circling rule at their jackpots simply because they get some girls that come that have chronic gate issues and can't get their horses in without a lot of time and extra help. Luckily locally we haven't had much of that.
I've joined a committee that host a larger 100-200 ppl event in the fall so was looking for input on how the bigger shows get through it so quickly. We have an awesome announcer and great grounds crew and the suggestions that are coming are fantastic and have given us some great ideas.
It's a smaller pen (80 x 200) so we can really only get one tractor going but we have an in and out gate. All the runs here are closed gate as for some reason none of the arenas have alley ways. I love the suggestions that have come in and I think this years event will certainly be a bit quicker then the previous years.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Missouri | there have been several great ideas! I will be helping with a big barrel race around here in July - for a 1 day show we have so far $3000 in the open, $1000 in youth and $1000 in adult! we are hoping to have more $ in the open by show, so I love hearing all the ideas about running one more quickly! we are hoping for a really big show! lol |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| It also matters how big your pattern is. A lot of the shows that can run 50-60 an hour are running 14-15-16 second patterns. The timer is set super close to the entry to preclude dinking around. You catch a lead in the warmup pen and lope down the alley. Smaller regions that only draw 40 can get away with circling, etc. I grew up running in Wyoming, and was in a bit of a culture shock when I went to run in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana at their big barrel races. It also matters what kind of shape the ground is in. Fast, safe ground is highly valued and 'ground men' are hired specially to keep the ground right. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Great NW | 1. 2-3 tractors
2. a GREAT announcer - that keeps things moving. announces the next 3- every rider then at drags announces the next 10 riders.
3. A holding pen big enough to hold the next one or two rakes.
4. a good gate system(I like the winged gate system - as long as your riders will stay to the front and they are only allowed to come in or leave during rakes.
5. Forward motion rule, no circling and a 60 second time limit.
6. Start on time.
Usually semi big rakes at 50 and Big Drags at 100. for some arenas. some can handle skipping the semi-big rakes.
The Announcer needs to be upbeat and keep things moving. If you start the race out strict the whole thing will go smoothly - if you let one person dilly dally then others will take a mile. No need to disqualify - fine them $10 bucks. it usually is enough to get them ready to run when their name is called.
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 494
Location: La Frontera | Make sure the batteries in the timers are new and have extra batteries on hand. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | NJJ - 2014-02-09 8:56 AM
FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 9:11 PM And it shouldn't matter. IMO
I disagree, as do most producers who put on shows of 100+ entries or more.......It DOES matter........If every one of the 100 entries takes just a "mere" 30 seconds to WALK in the gate and circle a couple of times, it ADDS almost 1 hour to the show.....it is ONE of the biggest time consumer "hogs" for a show producer.
This ^ |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| CYA Ranch - 2014-02-09 10:14 AM
FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 9:11 PM NJJ - 2014-02-08 6:46 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:48 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:43 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-02-08 4:36 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-02-08 4:30 PM FlyingHigh1454 - 2014-02-08 3:19 PM dianeguinn - 2014-02-08 12:37 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-02-07 11:41 AM Besides the arena crew and multiple tractors for the drags, I think probably the biggest time savor most efficient set up to run so many so fast is setting up the wings. That way you have your next 5 in during the drags in the holding area, and there is no waiting on the gate and the alley way cluster. Also, it eliminates the bad to start alley way issues that eat up so much time. 99.999% of horses with alley way issues have no issues with the wings set up. Also, at our big shows, they are not allowed to come in and circle and then go....or walk down the alley, look in, go back up the alley and then start. Once you enter the alley, you must keep a forward motion down the alley or you will be DQ'ed. That speeds it up a lot. I watch videos from other places where they walk in, circle a couple of times and jack with their horses and I'm thinking.....geez, just start your run already!!! If that is allowed, then I see why it's slow. I do think multiple tractors are needed, but we do have one local jackpot that a gal drags, and she has that tractor in high gear and does a good job. It doesn't take her very long to drag. I would never go to a place again if they DQ'd you for running your horse how it likes to be ran. I know for a little while while Dee was just started running in, I had to walk her down the alley and show her the barrels or we would end up on the other side of the arena. Don't judge how others want to run their horse. We have never had anyone say anything about people taking their time. Rushing is what causes mess ups and knocked barrels. I've ran at a lot of events and there has never been a problem, large or small. So It could just be your part of the country, because here no one cares. It's however you want to go in. I wasn't meaning she was specifically judging (although it kinda came out that way ) more of, around here, we don't care how you want to run. If you have enough room, circle if you need to. That is how all races, big or small, are around here. (Within reasonable time, of course, don't spend 5 minutes getting ready, generally 2 circles max and go ). I don't circle mine, since she is much better running through now. I'm simply saying that around here, it doesn't matter. And it shouldn't matter. IMO
I run in Indiana and Kentucky, most times 100+ people in open on usual days. Big AQHA shows don't even have that rule, and they are rule crazy with very large turnouts. It doesn't cause a problem for me because I run straight in, but it is a stupid rule . That is my opinion and I would for sure be mad if they ever had it at any of our races, because we always finish in plenty of time, even on extra large turnout days. We do have the 60 second limit though, and a 1 minute gate call to get in the arena or your DQ'd (and that is strict). It may just be me though, I believe all the racers around here would agree.  |
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Those who host larger (100+ entry) jackpots