456. BARREL RACING.

 Barrel racing is a timed event.

(a) The course must be measured exactly according to diagram

and cannot exceed these dimensions. However, if the course is too

large for the available space, the pattern should be reduced five yards

at a time until the pattern fits the arena. Adequate space must remain

between barrels and any obstacle. The distance from barrel number

three to the finish line need not be reduced five yards (4.6 meters) at

a time if there is sufficient room for the horse to stop. When measuring

the area for the barrel course, allow ample room for horses to

complete their turns and stop at the finish. It is recommended there

be at least 45 feet (13.5 meters) from the starting line to the end of

the arena, at least 18 feet (5.4 meters) from barrels 1 and 2 to the

fence and 36 feet (10.8 meters) from barrel 3 to the end of the arena.

(b) Brightly colored 55 gallon (200 liters) steel drums with both ends in

must be used. There shall be no rubber or plastic barrels or barrel pads used.

(c) Starting line markers or electric timers, when possible, shall be

placed against the arena fence. An electric timer or at least two

watches shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric timer or

average time of the watches used by official timers to be the official time.

(d)Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose reaches the starting line

and will be stopped when the horse’s nose passes over the finish line.

(e) The contestant is allowed a running start. At a signal from

the starter, the contestant will run to barrel number 1, pass to the left

of it, and complete an approximately 360 degree turn around it; then

go to barrel number 2, pass to the right of it, and complete a slightly

more than 360 degree turn around it; then go to barrel number 3,

pass to the right of it, and do another approximately 360 degree turn

around it; then sprint to the finish line, passing between barrel number

1 and 2. This barrel course may also be run to the left. For example,

the contestants will start to barrel number 2, turning to left

around this barrel, then to barrel number 1, turning to the right,

then to barrel number 3, turning again to the right, followed by the

final sprint to the finish line.

(f) Knocking over a barrel carries a five-second penalty. Failure

to follow the course shall cause disqualification. A contestant may

touch the barrel with his or her hands in barrel racing.

(g) A five second penalty will be assessed if the hat or helmet is not on the

exhibitor's person for the entire time the exhibitor is in the arena in barrel racing.

(h) The judge, at his/her discretion, may disqualify a contestant

for excessive use of a bat, crop, whip or rope in front of the cinch.

(i) In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the

runoff must rerun the pattern within two seconds of its original time

or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to the

two-second rule but will apply to the final runoff time.