Barrel Racing Opens Doors for Women Rodeo Competitors

Barrel racing gave women riders a chance to compete at rodeos.

By Johnny McDonald

When you want to learn more about women’s barrel racing, it’s a good idea to turn to one of the best: Linda Vick, a frequent California circuit champion.

This Hesperia, Calif., grandmother has competed for nearly three decades as a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

“I was leading the standings again last year but finished second after my horse was injured,” Vick said. “I entered 45 events and went to Texas, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado.”

“Horses get sore feet when they are shod too often. With mine, I had to lay him up a while for his feet to get better.”

Vick said she’s been with horses all her life, starting in the days her father operated a riding academy stables in Hollywood, renting horses to customers.

Interestingly, she didn’t start barrel racing until her son and daughter were involved with junior rodeo. Neither perform regularly now.

Although she won the circuit title in her rookie year, Vick said it was a break-even proposition.

“Now you can make money at it, particularly if you can qualify for Las Vegas (nationals),” she said. “The girl leading the world last year won $90,000.

“I haven’t made the nationals because you have to travel to many rodeos outside California to gain points (to qualify for nationals).”

Her husband, who team ropes in jackpot competition, usually goes with her.

In discussing a performance, she said: “You have to turn the barrels tight, no matter what the size of the arena. In a big arena, it helps to have a fast horse.”

“Good horses like their job. They must be able to gather quickly to turn. Some can be stubborn, but my horse seems to enjoy it.”

During the event, riders maneuver a clover-leaf pattern around three barrels, going either to the left or right the first time.

“You know your horse has the athletic ability and you want to do your best,” Vick said. ”It’s just a mental thing with the rider.”

She said competition has opened for women in other events now.

“They have a women’s association for calf roping, all the rough stuff.”