Barrel racing?

Question

Is it a really costly sport, I'd really like to do it but I'm on a bit of a budget.

Answer 1

oh yes. Unless your just looking to barrel race at home your looking to spend alot of money on gas etc.

When i was in highschool i made it to a barrel race probably every weekend. (Right now I show twice a month at the most). I learned how to haul a trailer and i took me and my friends to barrel races. I lived on a ranch so i knew how to haul a trailer long before 16. Gas wasn't so expensive then but it is now, i mean it still wasnt cheap but it wasnt like it is now. If you go to a barrel race thats far away, which alot are if you do NBHA, saddle series etc etc.

Also equipment, Once i became really competitive into barrel racing I sold the mare i learned to ride on and had a TWH mare throughout highschool for 4H, and barrel races. right now You need bell boots, sport boots (i use smb boots which cost $160 for the whole enchilada) leather bats, NICE pads which are needed, good saddles etc.

I think basically if you show alot you could do barrel racing... but theres still those extra costs. oh and shows can cost alot. Stall rental, deposits, show entries...

Answer 2

Not for me, I show in open shows, and the most expensive part is getting there, which isn't bad because I typically don't travel far. I like open shows more then barrel races because there are more speed events other then just barrels and poles.

Usually there is a $2-5 'office charge' that you pay for each horse you use. (2 horses = 2 numbers = 2 office charges) Then it's $2-4 a class.

Here is a showbill for an upcoming show, and most of the events can be seen on YouTube.

http://www.wsca.org/graphics/showbills/r...

*Note - most shows I go to have pleasure classes in the morning and 'game' classes (speed events) in the afternoon - but there are many shows that are Pleasure on Saturday and games on Sunday. I personally prefer the all-day game

shows.

*Edit: I think there are 2 arena's that hold a couple shows a year that offer stalls. But they are optional (but costly) - we always tie to the trailer.

Answer 3

well for starters I just have to say these ppl do not know what your after...I mean for big pro barrel racing yeah its expensive...but if u are just learning its not at all...hit up a few jr rodeos and start off there I mean u get to take ur time and learn the right way with only a $15 entry fee....then hit up sum small barrel races which are local to u so u can see how to win sum good money...and I think its worth it cuz even if your just learning you can go home with 100-200 a barrel race depending how many ppl show up and then u cud hit up sum jackpots and there's some real good money for u...by then u shud no wut to do and to enter all these its like I said 15 to 20 dollars...and its a very relaxed environment so u can have fun and learn without a competitive environment.

Answer 4

It definitely is! Especially with gas prices the way they are. I try to carpool if you can. Try to find others in your area that barrel race and see if you can travel together. Before you go, make sure you know how much fuel will cost you, what entries will cost and alot money for hotel/food as well. See how much it will cost you and see if you have enough $$ to go! My advice: Don't go if you're depending on the winnings to pay your way. That's a good way to stress yourself and your horse out too much and make it no fun anymore. Good luck!

P.S. Oh, I forgot. You may try visiting businesses, telling them your story and see if they will sponsor you!

Answer 5

Just Barrel Racing is not that expience. But when you get in the real stuff it can be.  With the cost on barrels, saddles, trainers, DVDs, maginzes, bridles. IT can become more pricey.

BUt when you start showing it can get very pricey. With gas cost. Hauling. Show fees.

BUtI say its not that much

Answer 6

For non-pro's and pro's it can be a costly sport. If you tie in entry fees, stabling fees(most arenas charge you for the stall and you HAVE to purchase their shavings), gas, truck and trailer maitenance, vet reports/coggins, and food and your horses feed, it can get up there in price.

However if you are just wanting to try barrels on for size, look into your towns local riding clubs, a lot of them do playdays and barrels as events. Also, depending on where you live, your local arena may have weekly or monthly jackpot runs for 4D racers.

In my town it's $15 per run and $5 per practice run. They hold them weekly. But you can check www.NBHA.com or google BARREL RACING WEBSITES and visit the many links that are up there

EDIT: luvmytweeker. you stated that not one of us that answered above you had a clue what the poster was asking, yet you seem to have copied my answer and might I say, spelt half if not more of your words totally wrong. Perhaps you should read the answers before you yourself post, seeing as I believe all the answers given to all have good advice.