Barrel racing brings beauty to the bull-riding arena

By Ted Harbin
Posted Friday, October 30, 2009

La CROSSE, Wis. – The beauty of raw speed of barrel racing will be part of the festivities starting at 8 p.m. Nov. 6-7 at the La Crosse Center.

It’s just one aspect of a showcase of pure excitement and tremendous athletic talent that will be on display during the Professional Championship Bullriders event that returns to La Crosse this fall.

The women of barrel racing add some beauty to the majestic beast that is bull riding. In an event like bull riding, there’s plenty of bucking power and danger that’s just part of the excitement; that’s why barrel racing is such a fantastic compliment to the evening extremes.

“When you see the raw power of these bucking bulls, you’re going to see just how athletic these fine animals are,” said Robert Sauber, president of the PCB. “What’s so great about having barrel racing part of the shows is that these ladies are able to show off their athletic horses.”

Unlike at the racetrack, where it’s primarily speed and endurance, barrel-racers must have horses that are multitalented. Not only should they be fast, but they must make sharp turns. The cloverleaf pattern used in barrel racing. This is the first time in the long history of the PCB that barrel racing will be part of the festivities at the La Crosse Center.

But it’s the excitement of the original extreme sport and the danger of man vs. beast – men have died trying to tame wild bucking bulls.

“There is something about the danger that draws people to our sport,” said Sauber, a former bull rider. “They may not want to see anyone get hurt, but people want to say they were there when the wreck happened. Yet, there’s something beautiful when it all comes out right.”Tickets are on sale now at the arena or through Ticketmaster.