We have put considerable thought into the course the racers will run, and have mounted an educational effort to inform the participants of those conditions, and how to best prepare for them. We are excited to add barrel racing to our rodeo, and know that the fans will enjoy this exciting event. The course was designed by Round-Up President Garry Zollman, Comptetitive Events Director Jack Shaw, Arena Director Jack Purchase, and WPRA Judge Jade Robinson of Pendleton. Most of the race will be conducted on grass, with the barrels situated on the dirt track surrounding the arena. The first and second barrels will be on the opposite sides of the track, approximately 290 feet apart, and 21 feet off the arena walls.
Tentative plans call for the barrel racers to have one go-round for each participant.
All but 30 of the contestants will run their first go-round beginning at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The fastest 12 racers will return on Saturday, Sept. 16 for the barrel racing finals. Potential participants have been offered suggestions on the conditioning of their horses if they plan to compete in Pendleton. The barrel racing pattern at Round-Up is not a standard size, and is several times larger than the norm. Barrel racing has been held once in the history of the Round-Up, in 1962.