Wanting to set up an arena for barrel racing. what size should it be?

Question

Wanting to set up an arena for barrel racing. what size should it be?

Answer 1

Standard barrel racing patterns call for a precise distance between the start line and the first barrel, from the first to the second barrel, and from the second to the third barrel. The pattern from every point of the cloverleaf will have a precisely measured distance from one point to the next.

Usually this highly organized distance is as follows:

90 feet between barrel 1 and 2.

105 feet between barrel 1 and 3 and between 2 and 3.

60 feet from barrels 1 and 2 to score line.

Note: In a standard WPRA pattern, the score line begins at the plane of arena, meaning from fence to fence regardless of the position of the electric eye or timer.

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.

In no instance should the barrels be any closer than 15 feet from the sides of the arena. Barrel 3 should be no closer than 25 feet to the end of the arena, and should be set not more than 15 feet longer than the first and second barrel. If arena size permits, barrels must be set 60 feet or further apart. In small arenas it is recommended the pattern be reduced proportionately to a standard barrel pattern.

The above pattern is the set pattern for the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

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.

Yeah, that makes it clear as mud, I'm sure :) Probably your best bet is to get in touch with any local barrel racing clubs in your area and go see how they've got their arena set up and/or talk to some local cowgirls who have arenas at their homes.  They could probably give a more general, simple answer.  Good luck!

Answer 2

really big

Answer 3

Hi.  Previously stated were regulation patterns.  We do compete however in smaller pens where those distances are not achievable.  In the smaller pens, typically around 90 ft wide and 120 long the barrels are marked approx. 15ft  away from the fence and 15ft from the first barrel to the time line.

On a personal note, the bigger the better!