AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 127

Severe Faults Of the Performance (avoids disqualification but will be placed below other exhibitors that do not incur a severe fault) include: Severe disobedience including rearing or pawing; horse kicking at other horses, exhibitors or judge; or horse continuously circling the exhibitor Disqualifications (will not be placed) include: Loss of control of horse that endangers exhibitor, other horses or exhibitors, or judge including the horse escaping from the exhibitor Failure of exhibitor to wear correct number in a visible manner Wilful abuse Excessive schooling or training, or use of artificial aids Knocking over the cone or going off pattern 99. SPORTING – Barrel, Figure of Eight, Keyhole and Pole Bending offered in All Age Youth, All Age Amateur and All Age Horse classes only. 99.1 Barrel Exhibitors race against the clock, following a course consisting of three (3) barrels in a triangular "cloverleaf" pattern. Contestants must choose either the right or left barrel, circle it, and go to the next barrel, completing the course after circling the third barrel and running home. Barrel racing is a timed event. a) The contestant is allowed a running start. At a signal from the starter, the contestant will run to barrel number 1, pass to the left of it, and complete an approximately 360 degree turn around it; then go to barrel number 2, pass to the right of it, and complete a slightly more than 360 degree turn around it; then go to barrel number 3, pass to the right of it, and do another approximately 360 degree turn around it; then sprint to the finish line, passing between barrel number 1 and 2. This barrel course can also be run to the left. For example, the contestants will start to barrel number 2, turning to left around this barrel, then to barrel number 1, turning to the right, then to barrel number 3, turning again to the right, followed by the final sprint to the finish line. b) Knocking over a barrel carries a five-second (5) penalty. c) Failure to follow the course will cause disqualification. d) A contestant may touch the barrel with his or her hands in barrel racing. e) A whip cannot exceed 60cm in length excluding over and unders which must be attached to the saddle. f) It is recommended that drags be conducted before the start of a barrel race and after every seven head. Show management may drag more frequently. g) A contestant can only use a whip, rope, crop, bat or reins anywhere on the horse twice between 1st & 2nd barrel, twice between 2nd & 3rd barrel and four (4) times on the way home. h) If a tie occurs for first place a run-off will determine the placing’s. i) Course Page 127