Get Out and Barrel Race

Your horse is seasoned, your tack is cleaned and your trailer hooked up, but where are you going? Finding the right organization to barrel race in may seem like a difficult task, but weighing the options, determining your horses and your level, you will have an easier time deciding where to race.

NBHA

The National Barrel Horse Association is the most popular barrel racing organization. It is the largest barrel racing association in the world. NBHA has over 23,000 members of all ages across the United States and affiliates in five countries: Canada, Italy, France, Panama and the Netherlands.

The NBHA uses the 4D format for barrel racing, meaning there are four divisions. When you compete in a 4D barrel race, all riders run, no matter their ability, beginner or professional. This gives all riders at every level of riding a chance to win. The NBHA is organized by state, each state is divided into competition Districts where members compete for money and prizes at a local level. Most states also have State Championships each year, allowing riders to qualify for the Open World Championships, and the Youth World Championships. NBHA also has National shows, where you need not qualify for, you only need to be a member of the National Barrel Horse Association. There are several National shows throughout the USA, most combining together several regions. You also have to opportunity to win money along with qualifications to State and World shows, and year end awards for your district. All sanctioned shows must use the NBHA approved payback schedule. This schedule requires at least 80% of entry fees (at least 70% if the show has $1,000 or more added money) to be jackpotted and ensures that winners in all NBHA classes and divisions will get prize money.

The best part about the NBHA besides the fact that everyone has a chance to win, is your horse doesn't have to be registered. This is an open organization, making it fun for all riders to get out and meet new barrel racers in their area. Check out their website for information on joining and finding your district.

Breed Organizations

Shows sanctioned by a specific breed organization will often have Barrel racing and other gaming events in their shows. Your horse must be registered with the association in order to show in these events and gain points towards your horse, year end awards, and championship shows. These shows are open to Men and Women, and are often separated by age and sometimes gender. Check with your local chapter or district about upcoming shows or events for your favorite breed of horse, or check tack shops, barns, magazines or newspapers for upcoming breed events.

Saddle Clubs/4-H

There are several saddle clubs throughout every state. The benefit of saddle club shows are the entry fees are less, you can get exposure for your horse without having to pay a lot of money, and you get better practice in. Saddle club shows are always a good time for the entire family. They have several events and they are usually divided by age, so you are competing against your peers. Some of the saddle clubs can be very competitive as well, so you get an idea of what a serious competition can be like. Saddle clubs can also hold Jackpot races that pay out from the entry fees they receive.

Saddle clubs will sometimes hold their gaming events on the same day as their pleasure shows, or will hold them on separate days. Suggest to your club president to have more gaming shows to get interest in to club. People love barrel racing, watching it or competing in it, is a fun time. Check with your local saddle club for upcoming events.

4-H shows often have barrel racing events at their shows. This is also a great organization for youths to join. Check with your local 4-H Chapter for information on Horse Shows.

State Organizations

There are several states that have their own barrel racing organization. They often have several shows throughout the state. Some organizations run on the same 4D format that the National Barrel Horse Association does. A good organization has all levels of riders and horses.

Jackpots/Open Shows

Open shows are open to all riders of all levels. Most open shows are run in the 4D format so everyone has a chance to win. Unlike a saddle club, these are payout races, and if there are any awards for the day, you receive them after the race it over. Most open shows will pay out to 6^th or 8^th place in each division. They often have classes divided by Open (all ages), Senior (Ages 55+ or 65+) and Youth (under 18). But not all shows are like this, check with the show manager if you have any questions.

To find open shows, check with local tack shops, barns, saddle clubs and horse related magazines or newspapers. Open shows entry feed can often be more than a regular horse show, because of the reason it is a payout race. You have a chance to win back your entry fee plus more. Also, they can have money added. This is where there is an extra amount of money added to the jackpot, allowing you to receive more money if you do place. It is a fun time to meet new people and new competition. Because of the added money, many racers travel from far away for the chance to win a big check.

Have fun barrel racing, try new things and organizations to see which you like best, or go to a few at a time! When I lived and Georgia, I competed every weekend from February till November at a different organization each weekend. The options are out there, you just have to find them.