Pole Bending Event & Pattern

 

Pole bending is a timed event seen at gaming shows, college and high school rodeo, and various local equestrian events.

 

 

 

photo from Shanya Penn

 

A rider and horse run past a timer line to the end of a line of six poles, then turn the end pole and weave down through the pattern, again turn at the last pole and weave back up, then run back home across the timer line. The fastest time will win.

The horse has to not only have speed, but also the agility to switch leads between every pole at a full out gallop.

The pole pattern consists of plastic poles that are set 21 feet apart and the timer line 21 feet from the first pole. The poles are 6 feet high and the base is no more than 14 feet in diameter. If a pole is knocked over, a 5-second penalty is assessed.
Fast pole bending times are run in 20-21 seconds.

-
photo from Nichole Partain

Photo of Celine Loyatho, by Lori Brown.