Racer-friendly barrels invented by East Texans

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

James Fuller of Pittsburg shows how the barrel-shaped invention will easily tip, but spring back into place. The barrels, used for practice, reduce injury and eliminate having to reset overturned barrels. -Staff photo by Montgomery

June 19, 2003 -- In the sport of barrel racing, a big mistake is knocking over a barrel. The end result can be a five-second penalty in competition, or even worse, an injury to the rider and/or the horse.

In practice, knocking over a barrel can also produce injuries, but it also wastes valuable time because of having to reset the barrels.

So, what would a barrel racer say about a new retractable barrel that would eliminate barrel-reset time at practice, and decrease the risk of hurting themselves or their horse?

A couple from Pittsburg just might have the answer.

James and Sandra Fuller have invented a retract-able, collapsible barrel to be used during practice sessions.

"Every time a barrel is hit, (that) is an accident. I don't know of a horse that intentionally goes into the arena with the sole purpose of running over a barrel. With these barrels, a barrel racer eliminates the risk of hurting themselves and their horses," James said. "They are not going to get hurt practicing at home."

The barrel is actually a barrel-shaped object which consists of two plastic bases, a spring-loaded pole and a canvas-type cover. The "barrel" will tip when a horse and the rider hits it; but, due to the spring inside, the barrel will pop back into place. There is no need for an extra person to be there to reset the barrel. It will automatically reset itself. Each barrel is weighed down from five-and-a-half gallons of water in the base. Sand can also be used in the base.

Another advantage of the retractable invention is "you don't have to reset the barrels if one is hit. The barrels give more quality time for practicing and training," James added.

These barrels would not be used during competition but they are being used in some exhibitions around the country, according to the Fullers.

So, how did this concept begin?

The couple's daughter, Belinda, rode barrels while growing up; and like all racers, she hit the barrels more than once. Each time contact was made with a barrel, it hurt. Now, grandchildren have entered the picture and for James and Sandra safety is still a big concern. Because of this concern, safety was the main reason for the invention.

"I knew there had to be some way to make the sport safer," James explained.

As he researched books and magazines, watched countless videos and rodeos, James' mind began to work out the particulars about how to make the barrel safer.

"This is two-and-a-half years in the making and we have a patent pending," the inventor said.

After sending the specifications for the base to a manufacturer, and lining up someone to make the canvas covers, they received the first sample of the barrels in December 2002. "On Jan. 1, this year, we took the sample to a barrel race in Keatchie, La., and set them up during the exhibition. We just wanted their opinions. We could have sold some that day but we didn't have any for sale."

The first barrels became available in March, and since that time, over 120 sets have sold.

Some of those sets have gone to barrel racers/trainers such as Marlene McRae and Lance Graves. For barrel racers who have ridden at Martha Josey's, she also has a set.

"They are really handy and a great training device," said McRae, a world champion barrel racer and Olympic medalist from Ramah, Colo. "Horses learn real quick when they hit the barrel and you stop to set the barrel back up that that was a good thing. With these barrels, they don't miss a beat. It makes a horse think a little different. I already have the battle scars but for little kids (the barrels) will be a blessing," McRae added.

Lisa Matulis, an East Texas barrel racer who liked the barrels so much she now is a dealer, said, "I recommend them to anyone who has kids or trains barrel horses. They are really helpful and I really like them a lot."

The barrels, named Fuller's Retractable Barrels, are lightweight - the set of three weighs 53 pounds.

Assembly is required but all that is needed is a 9/16 socket, according to James. The sand or water for the base is added, of course, after they are assembled.

The retractable barrels are meant to be a confidence builder, not only in the rider but in the horse, according to the Fullers.

"A horse and a rider will remember the hurt when they hit a barrel. Until their confidence is rebuilt, they will continue to make errors," James said. "These barrels will help rebuild that confidence."

"When they hit this barrel and it doesn't hurt, the horse thinks 'hey that didn't hurt' and goes on. Plus, you don't have to reset the barrel," Sandra said.

Fuller's Retractable Barrels are available through National Ropers Supply in Decatur. The set sells for $499, plus shipping and handling.

"You can spend that much at the emergency room," Sandra replied.

"We are just trying to make the sport safer, especially for the kids," James concluded.

For more information, contact the Fullers at 903-856-0841.