The Reality of Professional Barrel Racing: A Personal Look at the Sport

Barrel racing, established in 1948 as a rodeo event, has gained popularity as a sport known for its speed and agility. Two professional barrel racers, Lisa Lockhart and Sherry Cervi, offer an exclusive look into the demands of pursuing this career.

In a recent interview with NBC, Lisa Lockhart, a barrel racer from Montana, expressed her admiration for the sport, labelling it as a “favourite for the crowd” due to its simplicity. However, she stressed that the skills required go beyond speed, testing a horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s precision in safely manoeuvring around the course. Sherry Cervi, another accomplished barrel racer, highlighted the genuineness of barrel racing, noting that “there is nothing fake about ranching” and emphasising the importance of taking care of the animals.

While barrel racing is predominantly popular among women at the professional level, both men and women can compete at the youth and amateur levels. The event requires participants to race around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, with their times being measured electronically or by a judge using a flag.

In terms of earnings, barrel racers typically only earn according to their winnings, which often do not cover the substantial expenses involved. According to BarrelRacingTips.com, top barrel racers have to win consistently to break even due to the high costs of travel, lodging, meals, and horse care. Despite the significant expenses, Lisa Lockhart noted that the industry has seen growth in recent years, allowing contestants to have a more decent income.

The lifestyle of a professional barrel racer involves planning around numerous events, travelling long hours, and making significant sacrifices. Sherry Cervi revealed that the job is far from glamorous, often requiring a lot of alone time and causing racers to miss their families. However, she also mentioned the support of sponsors as a crucial factor in making the lifestyle more affordable, especially in covering equipment expenses.

Overall, barrel racing presents several challenges, including financial uncertainties and the demanding nature of caring for their equine partners. While the sport is admired for its simplicity and authenticity, its professional reality requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for the lifestyle.