How to Compete in a Pole Bending Event

Pole bending is the equine equivalent of slalom skiing. It requires a horse with speed and agility and a rider who can hang on.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spurs
• Western Saddles
• Protective Horse Boots
• Riding Boots
• Saddle Pads

1. Know that pole bending is a western event performed at most gymkhanas (equine gymnastics events).

2. Set up six poles in a straight line at the far end of the arena, approximately 21 feet apart and 20 feet from the end of the arena.

3. Start your horse at the opposite end of your destination and run parallel to the poles to the end.

4. Turn your horse around the last pole (you're now heading toward the start line) and weave your horse in and out of the poles.

5. Circle the last pole and (now heading away from the starting line) continue to weave back through the poles.

6. Complete the pole weaving and run parallel with the poles (instead of weaving) back to the finish line.

7. Win with the fastest time.

Tips & Warnings

• At rodeos, only women compete in barrel racing and pole bending. In smaller competitions men might compete in barrel racing and pole bending.
• Any type of horse can compete in a pole bending competition, but most are western-type horses such as quarter horses, Morgans, Appaloosas and paint horses.
• You will incur a five-second penalty for every pole you knock over.

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[turn_n_burn75]

on 1/24/2007 Whenever you are about to turn (barrels or poles) , do not forget to sit deep in your seat. This will cue your horse to sit his hindquarters too.

on 8/8/2006 Don't turn too wide, because extra seconds are no good. But turning too tight knocks the pole down, and that is bad also.

on 8/8/2006 When you first enter the arena, don't immediately take off as you enter. Make your horse trot a small circle, then go ahead and do your run. On your way back, don't run directly to the gate. Steer your horse to another part of the arena and then slow him and ride him back when he is calm, or get off and walk him back. If for some reason you are just sitting on your horse in the arena, don't let him stand by the gate. That will cause them to get sour, so they always want to leave. Also, sometimes it would be good to work your horse outside of the arena. You don't want your horse to think that hard work only happens in the arena.

When you're riding, try to talk to your horse sometimes. It calms them if they're worked up. And if you talk to your horse enough, some people say they will understand your voice and will perform better!

Have fun with your horse! Good luck!

on 8/8/2006 I always say "whoa" or "hup" or "easy" when I want my horse to rate himself. It really helps and he doesn't turn wide anymore. Just make sure when you cue him not to let him stop. That really ruins the run.

on 7/29/2006 Make sure when you are weaving through poles you are changing into the correct leads each time. Running at top speeds in the wrong lead can permanently hurt a horse.