Where do I start?

I love too watch barrel raceing. Go to the shows and help owners if they need it. But, now I am ready to start raceing myself. But, where do I really start?
Does my horse need a pedigree?
How do I register her?
Anyone know of a good breeder to start to look at?
Should I get a partly trained horse first before getting a fiily and training her myself?
Any advice would be wonderfull.
Thanks