FARMINGTON — The Maine Barrel Racing Association hosted an exciting start to the first day of the Franklin County Agricultural Association’s 174th Farmington Fair.

Barrel racing pairs a horse and rider in fast-paced maneuvers around three barrels in an arena. Speed and accuracy were essential to this exciting, rodeo-style challenge on Sunday.

In one of three events, riders entered the arena at a full gallop toward the first barrel, trying to reach maximum speed before they hit the timer. They continued past three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, trying to be the fastest without knocking over any barrels, according to Jamie Leeman, President of the Maine Barrel Racing Association.

“Tipping a barrel disqualifies the rider,” she said. Any deviation from the cloverleaf pattern also means the rider does not get points.

Experienced riders try to make a small pocket around the barrel, providing a safety cushion as the horse bends around the barrel. Riders either make one right turn and two left turns or one left turn and two right turns, depending on the horse’s ability. After rounding the last barrel, the rider and horse run back to the start line.

Most organizations have moved from humans and stopwatches to an electric timer with a sensor that automatically starts and stops when the horse’s nose runs past the sensor.

Riders bond with their horses and train often to reach this skill level. Every rider and horse received a round of applause from the audience, regardless of of errors.

Leeman said she and her daughter, Makayla, enjoy watching their fellow competitors improve and mature. Picking the right horse is important, she said, and riders look for relaxed personalty and an eagerness to learn. Horses must be extremely athletic to be able to run full speed and turn 180 degrees without falling, slipping or slowing down in the challenge.

“You can train almost any horse to barrel race, but the winners have certain features,” Leeman said.

Outfitting the horse for competition requires a specific equipment. A racing saddle is essential for comfort and safety.

“They have deep seats and short skirts, allowing for more contact with the horse’s back for greater stability,” Leeman said.

Riders can add a breast collar to keep the saddle from shifting back during quick starts. A bridle with a soft bit is necessary for guiding the horse around the arena. Also, the horse should be fitted with durable sport boots prior to every run.

“They support the horse’s tendons as he charges around the arena,” she said.

Since the 1970s, the Maine Barrel Racing Association has drawn members who span at least three generations, with younger riders often learning from their grandparents. Some of the senior competitors who can’t ride still enjoy watching.

Competitors at the Sunday event may also belong to other organizations. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association is the oldest organization in barrel racing. Originally known as the Girls Rodeo Association, the WPRA began holding sanctioned barrel races in 1948. The National Barrel Horse Association is the other major barrel racing organization in the United States.

The Maine and the National Barrel Horse Association will host the next competition on Oct. 4, in Exeter.

“We do a dozen competitions around the state each year,” Leeman said. “We have classes for all levels of riders and horses, and we welcome all riders to join us at our shows.”

Regional and national competitions offer different challenges, and the racers are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. Marcia Rogers, 58, of Calais traveled to Farmington with Chacota, her horse. She is planning a trip to Perry, Ga., for the National Barrel Racing competition and recently traveled to Syracuse, N.Y., for a similar event.

“There are 700 to 1,000 horses at these events,” Rogers said. “Many of us have known each other for years, so I have to take an extra day for get-togethers, too.”

Rogers said she has raised seven children, serves as a councilwoman in Calais, and had a career as a boys’ high school basketball coach. She also has coached soccer and barrel racing and enjoys other sports, including golf and dirt bikes, with her family. She said barrel racing is another chance to enjoy being active, competitive and connected with her two- and four-legged companions.

For more information about the Maine Barrel Racing Association’s schedule and membership, visit http://mainebarrelracing.com.

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