Horse-Mania

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Three barrels, two hearts and one dream. I read that in a magazine once, and I couldn't agree more. People focus completely on strategies and training, which are very important, but there’s more to it then that. In my experience if you and your horse learn to work as a team and build a connection, you will have more trust in each other and go farther in competitions. Like the human body, you need water and you need food. You won’t get far with just one. And this apply to all horse related sports. So let’s see how it all began. What’s the story behind it?

 

Although it is not known for sure, it is believed that barrel racing was first held in Texas. At least that’s where the Girls Rodeo Association first developed it. Barrel racing was first developed as a women's event by the Girls Rodeo Association, a group of women  in 1948. They were looking for a place in the rodeo while the men roped and rode bulls and broncos. There were only seventy-four members at first, and only sixty approved tour events. Although unlike the men they only won feminine product instead of money for it wasn’t an official event.

 

During World War 2 there were dozens of all girl rodeos while the men were away. They were very successful. But when the men came home, everything went back to the way it had been: no women in “official” races. But a few years later things started to change for the women. There were more women’s events and in 1948 they GRA was officially changed to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. They were now able to compete professionally.

 

One of the most popular events was the Cowboys Amateur Association organized in 1940. Contestants would compete on an amateur level until they had won at least $500 before they could join the “professional” rodeo organization. The women were now able to win money! One of the number one known barrel racers is a woman named Mable Strickland Woodword and is now enshrined in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum.

 

What a ride! What started as a small event for women bloomed into a worldwide event for contestants of all ages and genders! (Even though it’s mostly the women who compete the most.) At first all the GRA wanted was a place in the rodeo by starting a small unofficial club. They never expected that they would be competing around the world in one of the biggest rodeo event ever! But it was easy for them because they were determined and courageous. All it takes is three barrels, two hearts and one dream. And it came to be!