“importance of rider and horse working as a team“

When it comes to the importance of rider and horse working as a team, there is nothing like barrel racing, which is one of two events open to cowgirls only. Ropers and steer wrestlers often borrow mounts and win, but take a barrel racer off her horse and it's a whole different world.

Things to look for:
Three barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern. The horse and rider race around the barrels completing the pattern. A good barrel horse require the spirit and speed of a quarter horse and the agility of a polo pony.

Scoring:
The best overall time wins. A five-second penalty is assessed for each barrel knocked down and the rider is disqualified if the pattern is run incorrectly.