Pole Bending

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Pole Bending

Pole Bending Another speedy event like barrel racing, the object of this event is to swoop through six polls like a ski slalom in the shortest time possible.

Again, like a ski slalom, the rhythmic movements of horse and rider running through the polls right, left, right, left and on is a fun event to watch.

Touching the polls is not a penalty, but knocking them over or loosing your hat will cause five seconds to be added to your time for every infraction.

This event allows the observer to enjoy the great acceleration and nimbleness of the American quarter horse.

Pole Bending Pattern Event Description

The clock is started when the horse's nose crosses the line, and is stopped when the horse and rider complete a zigzag pattern of the polls as is shown to the left, and cross the line once more.
The course is run twice by all competitors, and the best time is used for placement
One may run a pattern opposite to the one shown.
Competitors are penalized five seconds for every poll knocked over or for their hat flying off.
If one strikes a poll but is able to grab it and pull it upright before it hits the ground, they will not be penalized.