The British Open Show Jumping Championships is delighted to announce Barrel Racing will return as part of this year’s impressive line-up at Birmingham’s NEC from 16th – 19th April 2009. Back by popular demand the thrilling western style entertainment will be exciting the crowds once again.
Barrel Racing is a timed rodeo discipline that demands speed, accuracy and agility. Introduced in America to allow cowgirls to compete in rodeo events, Barrel Racing has become increasingly popular for all western riders not only in the USA, but also across Europe. The horsemanship skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favourite.
Competitors race at full speed while twisting and turning around a series of barrels in a triangular pattern. Time is precious! Contestants can touch or even move the barrels but for every one that is overturned a time penalty will be awarded. With the margin of victory measured in milliseconds, knocking over one barrel can spell disaster.
There will be a competition every day in which competitors each race twice. The rider with the fastest time will automatically go last in the next day’s competition. Each competitor will carry forward their fastest time of the week which will be added to the fastest of their two final runs during Sunday’s performance to decide who will be crowned The British Open Barrel Racing Champion.
The British Open Show Jumping Championships takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th April 2009. For tickets, book online or call the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.