The Cloverleaf Pattern was quickly mentioned in my previous writing so I’m back to actually explain what this common, but maybe illusive pattern is.
If you’ve ever seen one single rodeo whether it be on TV or in person, you’ve actually already seen this pattern. It is the most common pattern in barrel racing both for amateurs and professionals and it can be accomplished in only 13 seconds if you’re a professional.
The Cloverleaf pattern consists of only three barrels and their set up in a very specific way that is precisely measured and standard to every professional competition. You have two barrels directly across from each other horizontally and then one single barrel above the bottom two but directly in the middle. If you’re having a hard time picturing what I’m talking about, imagine a cloverleaf! Now that the pattern is completely set up and the timer is working properly, the races begin.
Only one horse and rider enter the arena at a time to lessen injury from those spicy horses who know exactly what their job is and don’t want to see anyone in there in it to win it space. Once they’re in the arena, they can choose to start at either the right or left barrel to begin the pattern. In this example, let’s start with the right barrel because it tends to be the most common. You start off at the front of the arena in between the two bottom barrels, then round the first (right) barrel on the inside and head to the left barrel. Once you’re approaching the left barrel you turn to the outside around it (making a figure eight). After you’ve turned your second barrel you’ll be on the inside of the pattern and will cut directly to the right of the top barrel, turning left. After you’ve rounded your last (top) barrel you head home (back to where you started inside the arena) as quickly as possible. Well, the entire pattern should be done as quickly as possible because it is a race, but there needs to be an emphasis on safety. Quick wins the race but safe allows you to better your technique and care for your horses’ joints.
The things you’re trying to avoid when racing this pattern are a knocked-down barrel and a broken pattern. When you’re in the arena completing your pattern as quickly as possible you might cut your turns too tight which can lead to your leg knocking a barrel or two over. For every barrel that is knocked down a five-second penalty is added to your time. Five seconds added to your time will definitely not allow you to place, because competition is tough in this world.
The second thing you’re trying to avoid is a broken pattern. You must embed this pattern into your head, so you and your horse can know the correct way to complete the pattern. In
amateur competitions, kids, grown-ups, and horses can have a brain fart and totally forget the pattern in the midst of doing it, which is okay. After all, this is something we do because we find it fun. This is more commonly seen in gymkhanas where kids or inexperienced horses are competing to find their comfort in it all. If you have broken the pattern (did the pattern the wrong way or forgot a barrel) you are disqualified from the race which means you get no time and can’t redo the pattern. If you have some pictures of you and your horse racing the Cloverleaf Pattern feel free to send
them to my Insta @unbridledmama because I love hearing from each and every one of you guys!
