Who invented barrel racing?

The Women's Professional Rodeo Association invented barrel racing in 1948. The WPRA is one of the largest rodeo bodies in the world and is open exclusively to women. Barrel racing developed originally as a way for women to participate in male-dominated rodeo contests.

Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider complete a timed cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels. The timer begins when horse and rider cross the start line, and it ends when the barrel pattern is executed and the horse and rider cross the finish line. Both boys and girls compete in youth barrel racing events; however, collegiate and professional barrel racing are still dominated primarily by women.