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Spokane County Interstate Fair Rodeo

Barrel Racing

Equipment

Horse and saddle, electric eye timer, and (3) 55 gallon drums

Goal

To have the fastest time in the event with no penalties. The barrel racer will enter the arena, usually at full speed and cross the start / finish line triggering an electronic eye that starts the clock. The contestant will direct her horse to complete a cloverleaf pattern (one right turn and two left turns OR one left turn and two right turns) around three barrels positioned in the arena, then race back across the start / finish line, tripping the eye and stopping the clock. You will usually see contestants beginning with the right barrel.

Disqualified When

The contestant deviates from the cloverleaf pattern in any form.

Penalties

The contestant can touch or even move the barrels from their original position, but will receive a five second penalty for each barrel knocked over. Even one barrel overturned usually spells a long trip home with only your applause as consolation.

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