Barrel racing adds an unique excitement to rodeos

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event in Conway this weekend may feature many male contestants, but there's still a strong showing of cowgirls.

In fact, there are 68 entires in barrel racing, the lone female event. That's more than three times the amount of last year's inaugural rodeo at the Don Owen Sports Complex.

"I'm tickled to death with the field we have," said PRCA committee chair Nikki Murdock. "We've got former world champions, people who have been in several (National Finals Rodeo events) and many good cowgirls. ... There's a good crowd here just to watch these cowgirls."

Economic woes have taken a toll on rodeo participants, especially with the rising fuel prices. However, that's still had somewhat of an impact on the larger number of barrel racing contestants.

"The way the prices of fuel are, if you can make a few rodeos along the way, then more people will go," said barrel racer Sherry Rhea of Forrest City. "If you've got on isolated rodeo, then it's not monetarily feasible."

That's why several in this weekend's PRCA event stopped in central Arkansas, as many just finished competing in Jackson, Tenn., and are on their way to The Old Fort Days in Fort Smith. Just keeping the bills paid, though, is still a major factor.

"We try to make as many rodeos as we can," said Arinda Richards, a barrel racer from Quitman, Texas. "That's how I make a living, so it's important I go to as many as I can."

A larger number of contestants means larger payouts, adding another financial incentive.

"I don't what it'll pay, but it'll be like pulling a slot machine," Murdock said.

Financial reasons aside, a large turnout is something that those in attendance can benefit from. According to many surveys, barrel racing is one of the most popular rodeo events, right behind bull riding.

"The men come to watch bull riding," Rhea said. "The women come to watch barrel racing and bull riding."

So what makes barrel racing so likeable?

"The speed is so exciting to watch," Richards said. "Men have their own events and all, but when you see a woman competing, you may think there's more of a risk. It's a lot more dangerous than some of the other events, especially for women."

"The crowd really gets into it a lot more than the roping events," said Ashley Poole of Jonesboro.

That's what keeps many coming back to watch. But when the location is right, it's even more meaningful for those involved.

"It's good to be close to home," Poole said. "There's not a lot of PRCA rodeos in Arkansas. It's a good rodeo."

Regardless of where the rodeo is, though, there's a bonus barrel racing brings.

"It throw a pretty flair on the atmosphere," Murdock said. "It gives it a nice, feminine touch."