What Types of Breeds Are Used for Barrel Racing?

There are a variety of good breeds for barrel racing, from appaloosas to quarter horses. Make sure you are using the right breed of horses for barrel racing with advice from a horseback riding instructor in this video on barrel racing.

Hi, I'm Teri Carter of Saddlebrook Stables in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. Today I'm going to talk to you about what types of breeds are good for barrel racing. We're going to start out talking about the types of breeds that you would want to use for barrel racing. Appaloosas are a great breed to use for barrel racing. They're versatile, they're smart, they've got good structure in their bodies to be able to handle the pounding, and they tend to come together and follow the etiquette that is necessary for barrel racing. Quarter horses are also a good breed for barrel racing. Again, they're smart, they're versatile, they can be trained quite easily, and they have good feet and legs to be able to withstand the pounding and the rigors for barrel racing. Paint horses are also a good breed for barrel racing. Again, they're versatile, hey can be trained quite easily. Not only are they colorful on the course, such as appaloosas, but they can also withstand the rigors of barrel racing. The breeds that you would probably not want to use for barrel racing would be a thoroughbred. They're trained to run and they get very excited and they probably wouldn't be able to turn the barrels or keep their mind on what they're doing. Another breed that you would probably not want to use for barrel racing would be any kind of a gaited horse, because it would tough to get a true gait out of that particular horse. These are the breeds that you would want to use for barrel racing.