What is the pattern for pole bending?

How do you ride a horse with uneven Poles?

1 Slow and steady: Try riding through the poles at a walk or jog. … 2 Practice different figures: It’s important not to drill the poles. … 3 Don’t forget about yourself: Make sure you keep yourself centered in the saddle. … More items…

How to train a horse for pole bending?

The rider must train the horse to obey rein and leg aids for the best results. Setting Up the Pattern For pole bending, you’ll need to set up a straight line of six poles 21 feet (6.4 m) apart. The line of poles should start 21 feet from the start.

What is pole racing in horse racing?

A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse and rider twice weave through a course of six poles spaced 21 feet apart, twice circling end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. The pattern must be followed exactly. A five-second penalty is added for each pole knocked down.

What is pole bending?

Pole bending is timed event that features a horse and rider running a serpentine pattern around six poles arranged in a line. The pole bending course consists of six poles, standing upright in bases, spaced (usually) 21 feet apart in a straight line. To run the course:

Why does my Horse Trot 2 poles in one stride?

A horse who consistently passes the middle with his front hoof is indicating the distance is too short for his stride. This horse may try to trot 2 poles in one stride. To protect your horses, be sure to place your trot pole grid in an area that is free of rocks and holes.

How to shorten a horse’s stride when riding?

Setting the poles farther apart than the normal stride will provide the opportunity for horses and riders to lengthen stride. If you want to require the horse to shorten its stride try setting the poles closer than his normal stride.

How to teach a horse to canter on poles?

Your horse should maintain rhythm and bend, and canter the poles without jumping or rushing. Do this a few times on each side and if your horse is responsive to your aids, use the outer ends of the poles for a lengthened canter and the inner ends for a collected canter.

How to stretch your horse’s poll?

A useful strategy for stretching the poll and keeping it relaxed between sessions is carrot stretches. For maximum benefit, always warm up your horse with a few minutes of hand-walking before doing these. Although the rectus capitis muscles are a small part of your horse’s total muscle mass, they affect how he uses his entire body.

How to train a horse to pole work?

Exercise 1: Poles in walk Set out six poles in a straight line. If your horse is green, lacking strength, or not used to polework then start with them flat on the ground and aim to work up to each of the poles being raised on one side.

How do I get my horse to bend?

Start by evaluating your rein contact. A good bend comes from your legs, not the reins. Ideally, you should use twice as much leg aid as you do hand. From the very beginning, you want to have a light, elastic connection to your horse’s mouth.

How do you use the Poles in horse racing?

Jockeys, trainers, and owners use the poles to measure how far a horse has traveled, and how far they have to go. The easiest way to acquaint yourself with the poles is to start at the finish line, or “wire”, and count the poles backward, or clockwise.

What is a position in a horse race?

A position in a horse race is basically where the horse and jockey are, in a race, at a given time. As in any race, there is always a starting position where all the runners will line up (the starting line or stalls) and a finishing line (or finishing post), where the aim is to be the first past it and therefore the winner of the event.

What do the Poles mean in a race?

“The poles mean so much to the race; it’s where everything happens,” he says. “Let’s suppose they’re running a mile: They jump out at the start and work their way to the three-quarter pole.

Do all horses begin at the same spot in horse racing?

All horses begin at the same spot. Post positions are assigned at something call the “draw” which is held in the racing office. At the draw horses formally gain entry into a race and are assigned their race number which corresponds to post position. Trainers cannot choose which position they would like.

What are pole bending poles made of?

These bases were the old stand-by in pole bending contests across the nation. They are made in Spain of very firm solid rubber, with virtually no give to them. They cannot be bent or squashed. Each base weighs about 15 pounds, and are the standard 14 inches in diameter.

What is a pole bending event?

Pole Bending A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse and rider twice weave through a course of six poles spaced 21 feet apart, twice circling end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. The pattern must be followed exactly. A five-second penalty is added for each pole knocked down.

What is a pole bend in horse racing?

Pole bending is a timed event that features a horse and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. This event is usually seen in high school rodeos and 4-H events as well as American Quarter Horse Association, Paint, and Appaloosa sanctioned shows as well as…

What is the pole bending pattern in snowboarding?

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.

What is the distance of a horse’s stride?

I understand that a horse canter stride is ideally 12 feet. No one has been able to explain to me a gymnastic line distance of 9-18-21 feet for placement of jumps… other than, “that’s the way it is and it works.”

How many walk Poles should I get my horse?

Work towards having your horse happily go over three to four walk, trot and canter poles. The spacing between poles will depend on the size of your horse or pony’s stride, as well as what you are trying to accomplish (lengthen or compress the stride).

Why does my horse knock poles over jumps?

It can also make it harder to turn effectively during a jump off – and a horse who is rushing will often throw a flat shape over the jumps making them more likely to knock poles. Here are some simple exercises – including images – to help your horse jump in a rhythmical and calm manner. There’s no need to jump big fences for these exercises… 1.

How to lengthen a horse’s stride?

Remember a lengthened stride is longer, not faster than a regular stride. Keep lengthening sessions short in the beginning as your horse develops strength and flexibility. Use ground poles to help you visualize and achieve longer strides. Reward your horse for even small increases in the length of his stride.