‪Google+‬‏ Bodybuilding Diet: Barrel Races Are Not Just For Women Anymore

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Barrel Races Are Not Just For Women Anymore

By Freda Watts


Racing around large casks involves the most significant activity for women at western riding events. In this contest, contenders sprint around three large casks in the form of a diamond arrangement. Their mounts are guided around the obstacles in a clover leaf shape. These barrel races do not last long. They are terminated in as little as seventeen seconds. Participant timings are not far apart in this contest. The separation could be mere hundredths of a second in time.

This crowd pleasing activity has risen from modest beginnings during the period marked by the Great Depression. Its origins have been traced to the Lone Star State. A small city in the western portion of Texas is recognized as being the location for the first recorded event. More specifically, it was first held at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford. This weekend rodeo in 1932 incorporated a horsemanship competition for girls in its program. The context required riders to race round barrels in a figure eight design.

In 1935, the figure eight was changed to a clover leaf pattern, which has become universalized. In the early period, the pattern alternated between a figure eight and its eventual successor. Eventually the more challenging design became dominant as the figure eight was dropped in favor of the more difficult pattern. The race was not judged according to the shortest time run until 1949.

Its appeal blossomed with appreciation of its rigorous demands. The demand for agility, strength, speed is a test and testament to the intangible alchemy between the mount and its rider. The racer and steed must make close turns at high speed without striking any of the barrels.

The first cask is called the money barrel as it determines the final result. The competition has developed over time. Earlier, the horses used were those considered unsuitable for other riding events. Today, specialist trainers focus on training for this specific purpose.

Breeders are raising horses for this objective as well. The archetypal steed needs to be speedy and able to manage its velocity. It needs to preserve its poise and make the meticulous turns at high speeds required by the course. The busy travel schedules can also test endurance in a different way. The charger needs to maintain competitive hunger while taking tournament stresses in stride.

Certain inherent traits and physical factors make some types of horses optimal contestants. Quarter horses are the most common breed. Their ability for speed spurts over a short distance is needed. Appaloosas, paints and Arabians are also popular breeds. They are selected for their special attributes. Intelligence, agility, athleticism, sturdiness, powerful legs, a low center of gravity and a good distribution of weight are some of the reasons for their appeal.

Progress continues. Enhanced attributes are being developed by focused breeding programs. Improvements in training techniques have brought greater technical refinement. Men have entered the sort formerly restricted to women alone. Their participation has led to a surge in organizations established for the male fraternity. Preparation for barrel races reaches into youth programs that train young riders. These are offered by racing organizations and regional and local associations. This activity can be enjoyed by the entire family.




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