Pole bending
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Western riding |
Timed events |
Barrel race |
Pole bending |
Stake race (Figure 8) |
Keyhole race |
Flag race |
Pole bending is timed event that features a horse and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. This event is usually seen in high school rodeos as well as American Quarter Horse Association, local National Barrel Horse Association shows, Paint and Appaloosa sanctioned shows as well as at many gymkhana or O-Mok-See events
The rider will take up a gallop and run past all the poles turning at the last pole. The rider and horse will make a serpentine path through the poles, that is, passing on alternating hands and leads through the poles. When the last pole is reached, the horse and rider continue in a mirror pattern through the poles back to the first one. When the pattern is completed the horse and rider then gallop back past the poles and through the timer. If the rider knocks over a pole he will be penalized, resulting in either disqualification from the event or a 5-second penalty (per knocked pole).
[edit] External links
- World Pole Bending Association Endorsement for pole bending events throughout the world. Home of the pole bending world finals.
- Runninghorses.net - Your Guide to All Things Fast - Barrel Racing & Speedhorse Online Community
- Pole Bending : Information, Photos, & Pattern From The Ultimate Horse Site
- Pole Bending Event Information From Pro Rodeo Online