1. A Mulberry Farm barrel race is a timed event using three identical barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern.
2. The starting gate or gates must remain the same throughout the entire event. A contestant may request that the gate be closed after they enter the arena.
3. The start/finish line and the barrel positions should be permanently marked and must remain the same throughout the entire event.
4. The pattern at an Mulberry Farm show must meet the following conditions:
a) The first two barrels must be a minimum of 15 feet off the side fence.
b) a minimum of 15 feet between the third barrel and the back fence.
c) a minimum of 20 feet between the time line and the first barrel.
5. Ground conditions:
a) The ground conditions within the arena must remain consistent throughout the event. The ground around the barrels must be reworked and leveled after each 5 contestants have competed.
b) The preferred method of working the ground is with a ground tool pulled by some type of motor vehicle. Hand raking is not acceptable.
6. Any time a contestant crosses the starting line, time will begin.
7. A contestant will be given a "no time" for missing the pattern.
8. A contestant will be disqualified for running out of turn. It is the contestant's responsibility to know his/her draw position.
9. A contestant will be given a "no time" for knocking over a barrel. A "no time" will also be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again on either end. Touching a barrel, including to keep it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
10. A contestant will be given a no time if the horse or rider falls during the run in such a manner as to break the pattern, or if the rider falls off the horse.
11. If a barrel is moved off its marker during competition, the barrel must be reset prior to the next competitor's run.
12. Contestants may ride any horse, regardless of ownership, and may ride as many horses as they choose in a class. However, a horse may not be shown by more than one person in a class, unless the following conditions are met:
a. Both contestants are members of the same immediate family who reside in the same household (husband, wife, siblings, children and grandchildren). Children and grandchildren who are attending school away from home, but who reside part of the year with their parents or grandparents are included under this rule.
b. Neither contestant is showing any other horse in that class.
c. In no case will the same horse be run more than twice in the same class.
13. Entries for an Mulberry Farm class will close when the first horse in that class runs, or at an earlier time as specified on the show bill. Under no circumstances will entries be taken for a class after the first horse in that class has entered the arena.
14. At all Mulberry Farm sanctioned shows, the draw shall be done in a random manner. (computer, shuffling cards, drawing numbered chips, etc.) All horses in the draw must be named. Riders with multiple entries must ride their horses in the position in which they draw up. Once set, the draw may not be changedThe draw may not be changed to give preference to any rider or to accommodate another commitment of a particular rider such as work or another barrel race.
15. Only one horse may be in the competition arena at any time during competition.
16. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall result in a _ no time _ .
17. If the pattern is altered in any way during the running of a class, such that it cannot be restored to its original layout, all runs made to that point are void for the purpose of IBRA points. IBRA points may be awarded only if the entire class is rerun. (An altered pattern includes, but is not limited to: Changes in the staked position of the barrels; a change in the position of the timing device, either vertically or horizontally; or a change in the position of the entry gate(s).
18. Contestants who are given a no-time, either for missing the pattern or knocking down a barrel, may complete the pattern. However, show management may, at its discretion, ask a rider who is taking excessive time to train to leave the arena immediately. If such request is not complied with, a $25 fine may be assessed, payable to the district awards fund.
19. Mulberry Farm Officials have the right to disqualify any uncontrolled horse which does not begin performance within three minutes of the time the rider has been called. This rule does not apply to competitors who have not checked in with gate personnel.
20. All horses brought to Mulberry Farm must present proof of valid Coggins prior to unloading any animals from your trailer.
21. Participants in any event who write a check for show fees are subject to have winning paid by check within 14 days in lieu of a cash payout at the conclusion of the class or event.
22. Mulberry Farm Officials reserve the right to amend, update, or otherwise alter the rules between practice sessions, events, and competitions for any reason.