How far do you space barrels out for barrel racing?

Question

I am getting some barrels today and I need to know how far to space them out for barrel racing horses. I need to know how far to space them from barrel to barrel and from the starting line. Thank You.

Answer 1

here is the most com on spacing. if your arena is a different size you will need to arrange them differentially but this is what you will see most often.
20 yards from the start to the first barrel
30 yards from 1 to 2
35 yards from 2 to 3 (and back to 1)
all the barrels must be at least 20 feet away from the arena fences

Answer 2

Barrel pattern sizes change depending on the size of the arena. A long narrow arena will have a different running time than a shorter wider arena. The pattern set up for NBHA only states the distance the barrels must be from the timer line (30ft), side fences (15ft) and back fence (30ft) of the arena. Some horses run better in a narrow arena and some some better in a large arena. The bottom line is you won't know how well your horse is running until you compete in a few races. Be sure to keep your horse's mind in shape as well as his body by doing other things, such as trail riding. Our barrel racing horses were started at 5 (now 10 years old) and 8 (now 16 years old) and have been sound and in the money. The only reason to retire before the early 20's would be an injury. We've seen a lot of horses stilll running well at 20-23 yrs.

Answer 3

Maximum distance of 105 feet between the first two barrels and 120 feet between barrel number 2 and 3, and 1 and 3. Score line must never be more than 90 feet. Above rule is for unusually large arenas.

Barrels 1 and 2 must be at least 18 feet from the sides of the arena. In extra small arenas they may be less.

This is what is in the rule book that I have and on wikipedia

The National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) uses the following layout for governing patterns:

A minimum of 15 feet between each of the first two barrels and the side fence.
A minimum of 30 feet between the third barrel and the back fence.
A minimum of 30 feet between the time line and the first barrel.

Answer 4

The barrel racing patter is as follows:

Maximum pattern Minimum pattern
20 yards start line to first barrel same
30 yards between 1st & 2nd 20 yards between 1 & 2
35 yards between 2nd & 3rd 20 yards between 2 & 3
same for 1st & 3rd same for 1 & 3
all barrels must be at least 20 feet from the arena fences

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

From what I have learned from previous answsers to this same question many times over on here (I ride English) - Crazicowgirl has it right. In case you don't know, the difference in the sizes of the patterns is do to the difference in arena sizes depending on where you are racing. I also read that they will adjust the pattern size / lenght for ponies. Also FYI, 20 yards equals 60 feet (some people don't know that).
Happy Barrel Racing!

Answer 6

I really not sure. My Daughter used to Barrel and Pole Race. But, I never pay attention if there a common spacing. I always assumed the barrels were spaced equally apart in a Triangle depending on the space available in the Arena.

Answer 7

ive had a pattern as small as 15 feet between the first and second and 30 feet from second to third. for competition there are certain regulations and dimentions that vary from organization to organization. For their pattern dimensions check the rule books but for just practice, change up the distances, you dont want your horses getting accustom to certain distances the horse will begin taking matters into their own hooves and thats when you run into problems at competitions or with your shins...ouch

Answer 8

In AQHA the first 2 barrels are 90ft apart, the 3rd is 120ft.

Answer 9

It depends on the size of the area

Answer 10

20, 30, then 35 yds!hope this helps.sry if its not right, but i just recently helped set some up.