The fourth annual Dubbo Dash barrel racing competition will kick off at the village's showground from 9.30am.

Traditionally a women's-only rodeo event, barrel racing has gained popularity over recent years, sparking the creation of the Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) which has opened the sport to male competitors and riders of all ages.

The sport is conducted as a time trial, where an individual horse and rider gallop around three barrels in a triangle pattern.

Central West Barrel Horse Club secretary Greg Harris said spectators can expect to see fast action and great horsemanship at the event.

"It really displays what a horse is capable of at high speed," he said.

The feature race, the Dubbo Dash, is restricted to horses six years and under. It marks the conclusion of both the ABHA's Northern and Southern Saddle Series, attracting riders from Queensland, Victoria and NSW.

"It's somewhere where people who train horses bring horses to test their worth," Mr Harris said.

"It is our big-ticket day."

The day will be rounded out with juniors, tiny tots and open categories.

After last year's event was postponed because of wet weather, Mr Harris said the organisers are keeping a close eye on the skies.

"We just have to hope it doesn't rain," he said.