Barrel racing is an exciting and demanding equestrian sport that tests both the skill of the rider and the agility of the horse. Speed, precision, and teamwork are key in successfully completing the pattern of three barrels arranged in a cloverleaf shape. However, behind every successful run lies a well-equipped horse with carefully chosen tack that not only facilitates performance but also supports the horse's ongoing health and comfort.
In this article, we will explore the essential tack used by barrel racers, highlighting the equipment that is critical for the rider’s control, the horse’s safety, and the long-term health and well-being of the horse.
Whether you take part in Showjumping, 3-day eventing or Barrel Racing - choosing the correct tack for your barrel racing horse is vital and if not correct which can lead to lameness and injuries commonly found in barrel racing.
1. Top Barrel Racing Saddles
The saddle is one of the most essential pieces of tack for any horse discipline and no more so than with barrel racing. It is crucial for both comfort and performance, and barrel racing saddles are specially designed to meet the unique demands of this faced-paced sport.
There are a huge plethora of saddle makers who specifically develop saddles for barrel racing. In many cases it can be overwhelming when looking at all the opinions and options on the market.
Barrel Racing Saddle Design
Barrel racing saddles are distinct from other western saddles. They are generally lighter and smaller to allow the rider to move more freely during fast turns.
The following key features of a barrel racing saddle include:
- Lightweight design: Allows the horse to move around freely and at high speeds. As new materials (such as synthetic leathers) are introduced into saddles we expect the weight reduction of saddles to be a key attribute for years to come. Ensure your saddle is lightweight enough.
- Deep Seat: Provides security for the rider during high-speed runs and tight turns.
- Short Skirts: The skirts on a barrel racing saddle are cut shorter to avoid restricting the horse’s shoulder movement..
- Swell and Horn: The swell of the saddle is low, providing the rider with better manoeuvrability. The horn is also smaller to reduce interference with the rider's legs while allowing for grip when necessary.
- Stirrups: Barrel racing stirrups are often wider than normal stirrups and designed to reduce the risk of the rider’s foot getting caught at high-speed.
Health Considerations for the Horse
A well-fitted saddle is not just about performance - it is also about ensuring the horse's ongoing health and wellbeing. A poorly fitting saddle can lead to pain, pressure sores, or even more serious injuries.
Riders must ensure that the saddle applies no pressure on the withers, spine, or ribs. Regular checks for saddle fit and adjustment are crucial. Make sure that you continuously take care of the saddle too with regular cleaning, conditioning the leather as per the manufacturers instructions, that the saddle are stored correctly and avoid using harsh household chemicals (instead use specific leather cleaning products).
Ensuring your horse has the correct saddle is the first important tack required to support a barrel racing horse.
2. Bridle and Bit for Barrel Racing Horses
The horses bridle and bit are the primary tools used to communicate with the horse during a barrel race. There are many different types of bits and bridles, each serving a unique purpose based on the horse’s training and temperament.
Bridle
The bridle holds the bit in place and is typically made of leather or synthetic materials. In barrel racing, riders prefer a bridle that is light and adjustable, ensuring they have control while remaining comfortable for the horse.
Bit Selection
The choice of what bit to use on your barrel racing horse is significant, as it helps the rider communicate subtle cues to the horse, especially during the sharp turns and fast runs required in the sport. This is a personal preference and is no different than choosing what bit to use for any other equine discipline.
Some common bits used in barrel racing include:
- Twisted Wire Snaffle: This bit is often used in the early stages of a horse’s training. It is gentle but can apply more pressure when needed an dis the most common bit used in barrel racing.
- Tom Thumb Bit: Also a commonly used bit in barrel racing due to its leverage action. It allows for quick response, making it ideal for speed and agility.
- Pelham Bit: This bit combines the action of a snaffle and a curb bit. It provides more control, especially in horses with strong or fast reactions.
- Curb Bit: This is a more advanced bit that applies pressure to the horse’s chin and poll. It’s often used with more experienced barrel racers as it provides precise control for faster, more challenging courses.
It is worth noting that some barrel racing horses (and/or their owners) prefer to use ‘bitless bridles’ which distribute pressure all around the head. These are gathering more support within the equestrian community.
Health Considerations for the Horse
The wrong bit can cause discomfort or injury to a horse's mouth, leading to issues such as sores, bruising, or a lack of responsiveness. Riders should ensure that the bit is not too harsh for the horse and that the bridle fits properly to avoid unnecessary chafing or pinching.
3. Girth and Cinch for Barrel Racing Horses
The girth (or cinch in Western riding) is the strap that holds the saddle securely in place around the horse's girth area. A well-fitted girth is essential for the comfort and safety of a barrel racing horse.
Materials and Design
Girths come in a variety of materials, including leather, neoprene, wool-lined, and synthetic fabrics.
Neoprene is often preferred in barrel racing because it’s durable, easy to clean, and provides a good fit that minimises friction.
Health Considerations for the Horse
An ill-fitting girth can cause rubbing, chafing, and even injury to the horse’s skin, especially when galloping at high speeds. A girth that’s too tight can lead to restricted breathing, while one that’s too loose may result in saddle slippage. Barrel racers should ensure their horses girth is snug but not overly tight, and that it’s adjusted properly before each run.
4. Leg Tack for Barrel Racing Horses - Protection in The Arena
Speed and agility are paramount in barrel racing, but they come at a risk to the horse’s legs, particularly during tight turns. Therefore, leg protection whilst inside the arena is essential for reducing the risk of injury.
Splint Boots (or Protective boots)
Splint boots protect the horse’s lower legs from knocks, scrapes, or abrasions. Made of durable materials like neoprene, leather, or ballistic nylon, splint boots are designed to cover the horse’s cannon bone, preventing impact from any sudden movement or collisions with the barrel.
Bell Boots
Bell boots cover the horse’s hooves and the coronary band to protect them from overreaching (when the back foot strikes the front hoof). Overreaching can lead to cuts, bruises, or even pulled shoes, so bell boots are crucial in preventing such injuries. Boots can be worn o both front and back legs, but definitely on the front hooves.
Health Considerations for the Horse
Leg protection can help minimise the risk of soft tissue injuries, tendinitis, and other chronic issues caused by the repetitive stress of barrel racing. However, it’s important that boots are fitted properly. Boots that are too tight or improperly placed can restrict movement or cause irritation.
5. Reins used on Barrel Racing Horses
Reins are the most direct way for the rider to communicate with the horse and vital in ensuring a high performance level without knocking over any barrels. Barrel racers typically use reins that are both durable and responsive, as they need to give subtle cues during high-speed runs.
Most common types of Reins:
- Romel Reins: Popular in Western riding, these reins are long and used for more direct control. They allow the rider to make quick adjustments while maintaining a loose, relaxed connection with the horse.
- Split Reins: These reins are separate into two distinct pieces, making them easier to adjust and manage during a run.
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Training Reins: For horses still in training, riders may use reins that provide a bit more give or slack, helping to build a better relationship with the horse.
Health Considerations for the Horse
While reins themselves do not directly impact a horse’s physical health, a rider’s hand position and use of the reins can have significant effects. Aggressive or sudden tugs can cause discomfort in the horse’s mouth or neck, so barrel racers must be careful not to apply excessive pressure.
6. Headgear used on Barrel Racing Horses: Halter and Hackamore
Not all barrel racers use bits, and some horses may perform better with a hackamore or a bitless bridle. The hackamore, a bitless headgear, is used as a training tool or alternative to traditional bridles.
Hackamore
A hackamore uses pressure points on the horse’s nose and face to provide control, rather than using a bit in the mouth. It’s beneficial for horses that are sensitive in the mouth or for young horses still in training.
Health Considerations for the Horse
A hackamore can reduce the risk of mouth-related injuries or discomfort associated with certain types of bits. However, it’s important to use one correctly, as improper fitting can cause excessive pressure on the horse’s nose, leading to discomfort or injury.
7. Tack, Cooling and Post-Race Care
After a fast-paced barrel race, it is vitally important to help the horse recover and maintain its health. Cooling your horse down after competing is greatly important. These days, this is not only achieved by using cold water but a range of technologies built into the tack which are developed to provide cooling effects to the horse.
Several pieces of equipment are designed to help cool the horse down and prevent injuries from excessive strain. Used outside of the ring and as part of their ongoing recovery; tack used to care for the horse after competing is becoming ever more popular.
Cooling Sheets and Blankets
These are specially designed to wick away sweat and cool the horse’s body after intense physical activity. A cooling sheet can also help prevent muscle soreness or cramping.
Advanced Magnetic Horse Bands
Bio-resonance advanced therapy, such a the EQU StreamZ Horse Bands, are now a globally adopted solution and endorsed by a World champion barrel racer. Adopting a unique approach to magnetic fields, StreamZ technology creates the benefits of more traditional magnetic therapy without producing a thermal reaction (heat) in the horse legs. These have shown to be of significant advantage to barrel racing horses at all levels; aimed at supporting them after competing and whilst travelling to events.
“The rodeo road requires us to haul many miles. I love knowing my horses have their bands on, a technology that helps with their circulation and pain management without making them hot! A real game changer. They have become a staple in my barn and every horse has their own pair!” - Amberley Snyder - USA Professional Barrel Racer & Speaker
“KF Epic Ta Fame - affectionately known as Epic - is 7 years old and is the most honest and consistent horse I have ever ridden. He shows up when I need him run-after-run, and I'm just so grateful to be his human! I started to use the EQU StreamZ bands in July 2024 as I could see some windpuffs appearing on his front leg. I saw a post online from a girl who was asking others how to help Windgalls, and a couple of people said to try StreamZ bands. So I went ahead and ordered a pair, and within a week I could already see some changes. I have seen the benefits of this technology and am delighted to support StreamZ moving forward as a brand I truly believe in. All my team now wear StreamZ!” - Julie Plourde, 2023 IPRA World Barrel Racing Champion
“I was introduced to EQU StreamZ via a friend of mine and was keen to see what impact they had on one of my young horses who had a bruised foot. Competing in barrel racing my horses are subjected to extreme strains and pressures on their joints, muscles and tendons. A key aspect in ensuring their ongoing happiness and that they can compete at the highest level is providing them with as much ongoing support as possible. I have used magnetic devices in the past with mixed results; until I tried these! The EQU StreamZ bands introduce a new approach to magnetism which creates no heat when wrapped around the horses legs. This is ideal when using them directly after competing and when used to support their muscles and tendons. I noticed the impact the bands had on this one horse after around 12-hours as the bruising dissipated far quicker than normal and we could also see a change in the horses gait. The impact was so great that the horse was sound enough to run a couple of days later! I decided we would get all our horses a pair of these bands including our retired ones and they now all live in them 24x7 as I'm a true believer in being proactive with their ongoing health care. I love the fact the bands are easy-to-fit and maintain and that they can be used alongside other therapies and treatments. They provide a long-term natural option to our team of riders and horses and we would highly recommend them to anyone with a horse whether competing or not!” - Jana Bean - US Professional Barrel Racer, 3x NFR Competitor
Ice Boots and Therapy
Some barrel racers use ice boots to reduce inflammation in the horse’s legs directly after racing. These boots wrap around the legs and provide cold therapy, which is widely known to help reduce any swelling and prevent muscle, ligament or tendon injuries and support long-term joint issues.
In 2025, StreamZ are set to launch their latest product to the equine market, the StreamZ Coolboot. Developed to provide barrel racers and horse owners alike the ability to use it’s highly acclaimed magnetic therapy alongside cooling technologies.
Supplements and Diet
As with any sports horse, barrel racing horses require a carefully balanced diet which includes a range of minerals and nutrients.
Giving a barrel racing horse the correct supplements is essential for maintaining peak performance, promoting overall health, and preventing injury. Barrel racing places high demands on a horse’s body, especially on their joints, muscles, and cardiovascular system.
Supplements can support muscle recovery, enhance stamina, and reduce inflammation caused by the intense physical exertion of running at high speeds and making tight turns. Proper nutrition, including joint support supplements and electrolytes, helps maintain flexibility, strength, and energy levels, enabling the horse to perform at its best while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
Additionally, balanced levels of supplements ensure that the horse receives any necessary nutrients that may not be adequately provided through its regular diet, helping it to stay in optimal condition throughout the demanding competition season.
Health Considerations for the Horse
Proper aftercare is vital to a horse’s long-term health. Cooling down after a race prevents overheating, and therapies such as EQU StreamZ Horse Bands can aid in the horses ongoing and immediate recovery.
Stretching and massage techniques are also beneficial for muscle recovery and to improve circulation.
Conclusion on what tack to use on your Barrel Racing Horse
Barrel racing is a thrilling faced-paced sport which demands speed, precision, and stamina from both the horse and rider. However, in order to perform at their best, horses require the right tack—gear that not only helps them navigate the fast turns and tight patterns but also supports their overall health and wellbeing.
Whether it's a well-fitted saddle, protective leg gear, or tack used to support the horses recovery, every piece of tack plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort, performance, and longevity of the horse. By selecting high-quality, well-fitted equipment and regularly monitoring the horse’s condition, barrel racers can maintain a successful partnership that benefits both the rider and their trusted steed for many years to come.
In another article, “Barrel Racing at the Highest-Level with Amara Finnerty”, we ask professional Canadian barrel racer Amara Finnerty a series of questions related to how she continually supports her horse. Alternatively if you are keen to learn more about common injuries often found in barrel racing then this article, Barrel Racing Horses | Common Injuries & Treatments, may offer valuable information.
