Barrel Racing is a timed event, the contestant enters the arena at full speed riding an American Quarter Horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the arena. The pattern may be started from either the left or right, however, if the horse deviates in any other way the rider is disqualified. As the pattern is started the horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock. The racer rides the cloverleaf pattern around the barrels and sprints back out of the arena, tripping the eye and stopping the clock as she leaves.

While Barrel Racing may have started out as a friendly competition of horsemanship skills between cowgirls, the riding skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favorite.