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Pole
Bending
POLE BENDING. Pole bending is a timed event.
(a) Each contestant will begin from a running
start, and time shall begin and end as the horse’s nose
crosses the line. A clearly visible starting line must
be provided. An electric timer or at least two watches
shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric
timer or the average time of the watches used by
official timers to be the official time.
(b) The pole bending pattern is to be run around
six poles. Each pole is to be 21 feet (6.4 meters)
apart, and the first pole is to be 21 feet (6.4 meters)
from the starting line. Poles shall be set on top of the
ground, six feet (1.8 meters) in height, with no base
more than 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter.
(c) A horse may start either to the right or to
the left of the first pole and then run the remainder of
the pattern accordingly.
(d) Knocking over a pole shall carry a five-second
penalty. Failure to follow the course shall cause
disqualification. A contestant may touch a pole with his
or her hand in pole bending.
(e) A five-second penalty will be assessed if the
hat or helmet is not on the exhibitor's person for the
entire time the exhibitor is in the arena in pole
bending.
(f) In the event of a tie, the horse declared the
winner in the runoff must rerun the pattern within two
seconds of its original time or the runoff must be held
again. Penalty time will not apply to the two-second
rule, but will apply to the final runoff time.
(g) The judge, at his/her discretion, may
disqualify a contestant for excessive use of a bat,
crop, whip or rope in front of the cinch.
Poles shall be shall be set on top of the ground, 6 feet
in height, and mounted in bases with a 14 inch
diameter. Poles shall be PVC pipe, and bases shall be
rubber or plastic. For added safety, PVC caps are
recommended. Preferred color for poles is natural
white, but red, white, and blue rings shall be allowed.
Solid rubber bases are preferred, but hollow plastic
bases shall be allowed only if filled completely to
emulate a solid base.
To illustrate, here is an example of a system that would
comply with the preceding specification: Poles cut to 6
foot lengths from schedule 40 PVC, with glued-on rounded
caps, mounted in hard rubber Josey bases.
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