~~Barrel Racer Conformation
In the past there have been many discussions on the perfect built horse.  We try to find the most athletic by build, and character.  Today we will discuss the way to tell a good barrel racer.  The riders all have certain characteristics that can show the ability for form and athleticism.  We will start at the bottom and work our way up.

Of course we have all heard “no foot, no horse”.  Although the base is what we build off of, there are certain things to look for in a barrel racer. The foot must have a strong wide pad in the ball area.  This has been built up by years of wearing boots with soles so thin, you can almost see through them.  This comes about by making choices.  Horses need shod on an average of every six weeks.  A good pair of boots can last decades, even if they leak.  As it is proven that a leaking boot will not decrease a barrel run time, there is no reason to put a high priority on foot apparel.  The only important thing to remember is safety.  A good constructed boot will allow your foot to leave the stirrup in times of crisis.  It is also important if they fit well as boots have a tendency to be hard on the foot.  So when judging a barrel race’s feet I look for minor deformity that shows a willingness to put the horses feet first.  I also don’t mind a limping racer.   This is a person that will wear boots all day, but will balk at wearing high heels for an evening because they hurt her feet.  I take points off for buying impractical boots that look cute, but have bad soles and don’t hold up well.

Next we look at the ankles.  These joints should have a natural tendency to lift the front end of the foot and be able to take shock during a long trot.   A very bony ankle will rub on the inside of the boot, but I don’t take points off, if it doesn’t affect the ride.

One of the most fascinating parts of a barrel racer’s body is the shin.   So much can be derived by this area.  First of all you can tell the barrel racing age of a person by the color of the shin.  If it has a uniform natural color, then the barrel racing age is very young.   Should it have a mottled coloring but not skin deviations this shows a willingness to try to shorten a barrel time but hugging a bit closer to the barrel.  This barrel racer is still young, in barrel racing years and still willing to try new things.  The next step is the scaring of the skin from the shin area up to the knee.  This is a median age racer still wondering what is going wrong.  This racer has taken the hug the barrel concept too far and now has to back off or possibly retrain the horse.  While we can tell age by the state of the shin area, we can also tell how much time is spent in the saddle.   If the leg is very pale or tanning crème orange this barrel racer spends so much time in the saddle that there is no daylight to lay out and tan.  If the leg area has a natural tan, this racer is not as dedicated and will take daylight time out of the day to lay still and let the sun naturally tan her legs.  With all this being said, what I look for in a barrel racer is slightly scared legs with no current bruising.  I don’t take off for orange tanning crème legs as it shows a feeble effort, I take nothing off for pale white legs, the bluer the better.  There is one deviation from the tanning scenario.  There are some barrel racers that still live in the wild that will ride in shorts.  This will allow the legs to be naturally tan, but the tan stops six inches up from the ankle and points will not be taken for this type of tan line.

Next we move up to the rear area.  This is one of the most important parts of the barrel racer’s body.  On most racers this area has the greatest contact with the horse.  Those who learn to “ride with their ass”, have an advantage of those who don’t.  These people can feel if a horse is off just by paying attention to their ass.  During a run they can feel a problems as it is happening and try to take steps to correct before it becomes a problem.  Knowing this, there are two kinds of barrel racers, the smart-ass and the dumb ass.  In the barrel racing world it is a complement to be called a smart-ass.  I myself have humbly received this complement on a regular basis.  So regarding the rear area of the barrel racer the bigger the smart-ass the higher the points.

Now we will move up to the back area.  I like a good strong lower back that shows the willingness to unload your own feed.  This area should be strong enough to keep you balanced in the saddle, and limber enough to boot up a horse in comfort.   I don’t like a well-muscled upper back.  This shows a rider on a horse that will not stop.  I consider that a training flaw.  Anyone that refuses to use a fence or gate to stop is not quite ready for the rigors of barrel racing. 

Moving around to the front.  The lower abdomen or belly area must be somewhat muscled and it is okay to hide that six pack under a protective padding.  Muscling is necessary for balance and will be noted during a run.  The other necessary part of the area is the intestinal fortitude of the barrel racer.  The ability to go without sleep or sometimes even without chocolate to make a race.   This is what separates the wimps from the winners. 

The upper body and chest area has some very important roles.  While good lungs are necessary for those who forget to breathe, they also come in handy while making helpful suggestions to your horse during a run.  It is my hope that the music is up loud enough that the younger generation not hear these helpful suggestions as some are a bit raunchy, and most are technically impossible to actually do.  The most important part in the chest area is the heart.  Just as a horse needs “heart” so does the rider.   This is the true worth of any person and the barrel racer is no exception.  While there are many things a competitor will do to help insure a win; there is also very few things a barrel racer won’t do the help a fellow competitor in need.   From the benefit race to the helping hand the barrel racing community never ceases to amaze me.   These are people I am proud to be associated with, although they clean my clock on a regular basis. 

The barrel racer’s arms are usually well muscled.  The forearm will show good definition from holding the horn to stay off the horse’s face.   Or just holding the horn to stay on the horse.    The upper arm will be nicely shaped from unloading feed, brushing, cleaning pens and hefting saddles.  Here again we note the tan line.  This line will either be right at the top of the arm near the shoulder, or about 4 to 6 inches down sporting a “farmer tan”.  Both are acceptable and will not be counted down.

Now we go to the head area.  I look for a bright eye, but not glassy.  I believe this sport deserves the respect of a totally functioning brain.  I also look for an easy smile.  I look for focus, enjoyment, and the thrill of a good ride.  All this can be seen on the active barrel racer’s face.  From the bravo to the competitors great run to the extreme happiness when your own horse “gets it” and the hard work is paying off, all this shows on the barrel racers face.  The other thing I look for in this area is the nuance of hat hair.  Bangs that are plastered to the forehead and the crease that wraps around the skull, all signs of a dress code race. 

To recap, when judging barrel racers we look for a wide flat ball of foot, scared shins with no recent bruising and no natural tan to the ankle.  We also look for a strong lower back tying into a gently muscled upper back.  Lower belly should be well muscled with intestinal fortitude that is readily apparent.  We also look for a well-muscled arm with the appropriate tan line.  Good lung area and big heart a must.  Kind eyes with an easygoing look that shows extreme enjoyment of the sport. 

This information comes from the Tao of Barrel Racing to be in print as soon as I can talk someone into publishing it.  Author, Tammie Richardson