For those who don't have FB, I want to share this post with you…
I want to address a problem that is a common one in our industry… Squaring the barrel pattern… There are several arenas that do not have a center alley (it may be off just a few feet). I want to stress to everyone that is producing or running in these types of arenas. It isn't always easy to "eyeball" an arena. This is one of the reasons we are developing a website to teach those, who are willing to learn, how to correctly square a barrel pattern so that it is fair for everyone, whether you run to the left or to the right.
When "squaring" your pattern, you MUST measure from the center of the alley to the first barrel and to the second barrel. It MUST be the same distance to both markers (just like the arch to the third barrel from the 1st and 2nd barrels). This is the only fair way to set the pattern. Unless you are using an arena with a "set up" to the first barrel, your pattern MUST be the same distance from the center of that alley to the 1st and 2nd barrel. If you do not square your pattern to the alley, on an arena that the alley is just a little offset, then either the horses running to the left or the one's running to the right will have an advantage. With as competitive as these barrel races are these days, this is a big deal. It can mean the difference between getting a check and going home empty handed. For those who think it doesn't really matter, let me give you a quick scenario… You go to a barrel race and some folks get to run on the pattern with the barrels on the inside of the stakes and some have to run with the barrels on the outside of the stakes. You probably wouldn't be very happy if you were the one that had to run with the barrels on the outside of the stake. Even if they were only doing it with one barrel, you would feel slighted.
We can change the way things are done if we are open-minded and forward thinking. It does not have to be status quo in our industry. If you are a producer, check your patterns, it's easy to do. If you are competing, bring it to the attention of the producer, many are willing to fix things when they find out about them. This isn't about accusing people of cheating or stirring up controversy, it is about making our industry BETTER & FAIRER for everyone. Please share this on your page so that others can be aware of how to stake things correctly. Keep in mind that this works on ANY pattern, not just the ones listed. Have a blessed day everyone and keep spreading the Word!
