Rodeo 101: Barrel Racing
Barrel racing is a timed event where the cowgirls navigating a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Timing begins as they cross the electric timer line into the arena and ends when they cross the timer line exiting the arena. This event showcases some amazing horse power where rider and horse reach speeds over 50KM per hour. Touching barrels is allowed, but knocking them over incurs a 5-second penalty. Going off the cloverleaf pattern results in a “no time”. This event is truly a horse race and the fastest time wins!
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2024 Winner: Vanessa Leggett
Ladies Barrel Racing: BC Rider Vanessa Leggett Wins the Barrel Racing Competition and Follows in Her Mother’s Footsteps as a Cloverdale Champion
When reigning Canadian champion Lynette Brodoway clocked a 15.81 second ride midway through the finals, it looked like her time could hold up for the win. That was until Vanessa Leggett blazed into the arena to the sound of Van Halen’s “Panama” blaring over the PA. Riding in the 7th spot on her 8-year-old bay, Looker, the rider from Kamloops, BC, clocked a 15.74 to take home the title.
Vanessa looked fresh and rode fast all weekend despite being one of the busiest riders in the field. In addition to a full rodeo schedule, Vanessa works as a nurse in her hometown of Kamloops, BC. “This week I worked three night shifts, 12 hours [each]. Then got up and drove here. So it’s busy!”
Vanessa’s win makes her a second-generation champion at the Cloverdale Rodeo. Her mother, Julie Leggett, won this event in 2015. During her acceptance interview, Vanessa remarked, “I love following in my mom’s footsteps. She is such an inspiration to me and everyone. I’m so excited to be here with her today… I just really wanted to do it today [to make her proud].”
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