In barrel racing the riders must complete a timed circuit around three barrels laid out in a triangular pattern in the arena. If a barrel is knocked over as it is rounded by the horse, the rider is disqualified. Most of the rides are completed in between 17 and 25 seconds, with the best riders under 18 seconds. Some riders compete more than once, riding different horses.

Barrel racing in Las Cruces for 2011 can be viewed at: https://pbase.com/tconelly/rodeo_barrel_racing_2011