Pole Bending #1 is mainly used in Gymkhanas,Horse Shows,
and Playdays.
To explain a little something about running patterns,
there is one stipulation that needs to be brought forth,
and that is that some horses make left or right turns better
than they do the other one. Remember one thing that is important
to have good running times, when you are starting your run, make
sure your horse is at full speed before you enter the timing line and
don't start to stop your horse until you have crossed the timing
line at the finish. The disqualifications for speeds events are
inforced if you go off pattern or fall off your horse. There are
time penalities if you knock down a barrel or pole, which most
of the time is two seconds added on your existing time.
Pole Bending #1 or better known as Poles 1 is the event in which
there is 6 poles set vertically aligned in which the first pole is
sitting on the timing line. You are to manuver your horse to weave
in and out of the poles making only one turn at the top pole or last
pole. For a left turning horse you would you want to start on the left
hand side of the first pole and begin to weave in and out of the poles.
You then would make a left turn at the 6th or top pole and end up to where
you then are ready to weave back through the poles towards the timing line.
and then you are done.
For a right turning horse you want to start on the right hand side of
the first pole. Weave your way up to the top pole, making a right turn at
the top pole and then weave your way back to the timing line.
Please keep in mind that the speed of each horse varies and
whenever you are running a speed event, you run it at you and your
horse's capabilities. Please remember to take caution to keep you
from getting hurt and from your horse from getting hurt
also or going lame.
And please one more thing for safety precautions, please
wear a helmet to secure safety on your behalf.