Barrel Racing

I have a question for some of you barrel racers. I've never done it, the closest I've come is running between the trees up the drive more like pole bending Anyhoo, do you have to hang on to the horn, is it a safety thing or is it part of the rules? Everyone I have ever seen run barrels hangs on to the horn and I noticed barrel racing saddles have a high thin horn, for hanging onto?

No, You don't have to hang on to the horn..I have seen alot of people doing this but it is not required.The reason for the high horn you see is on barrel saddles the tree must be higher to help hold you in the saddle when making the turns..Hope this helps and I'm sure there are more knowledgeable people out there..

I think they just mainly hang onto the horn to help stay balanced and 'close' to the horse when making such tight turns and high speed.
I've done a bit of barrel racing in an Australian stock saddle and they don't have a horn to hang onto! I can see why they'd want to though! Lol

I can see why now too, since I fell off at high speed in a tight turn
I thought it might be part of the rules though.

Well I barrel race and most shows I go to people do hang on to the horn including me because it seems to help riders not lean in with the barrel and preventing from dropping the shoulder, and probably just to hang on also, although I don't really know the real answer that's just what I thought

Great photo fordchic Thanks for the reply nice to see you wearing a helmet, so many I see barrel racing don't wear one. If there was a rule I would think helmit wearing should be one.

You think its hard staying on while holding the pommel?? The one and only time I did barrels I did it in an all purpose saddle huuuuuuge mistake lol I still remember the pain hehehe

When I barrel Race I rarely hold on to my horn and when I go idj what it is but it messes me up when I turn around the barrel I guess im just gettin off balance and it makes my horse off balance

Ya, if I hold the horn while going around a barrel the horse is thrown off blalance or even I am. Plus, I think it makes you and the horse feel too tense.