Pole Bending

IMEHA (International Model Equine Hobbyists Association) was an online photo showing site that existing until 2018. Included on the site were these guidebooks for judging and showing model horses in Performance classes. MEPSA has obtained permission to share the info contained in the guides.

Point Deducts :: Tack :: Rider :: Set-Up Options :: Photo Examples

A timed event based on pole pattern of serpentines around six poles with a straightaway beginning and return. Five second penalty for each pole knocked over and disqualification for going off pattern. Poles are spaced 21 feet apart and the last pole is 21 feet from the timer. Mistakes: Poles should be set in rubber to prevent injury and any poles set in tires, flower pots, tin cans should be penalized. Split reins may be used but should be knotted. *NAN guidelines read barrel saddle takes precedence over other styles of saddles.

(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 aver- age 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. If the original course is altered by a rider intentionally grasping a pole, a five second penalty for each pole grasped will be assessed.

(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) If a tie occurs where points are involved, placing will be worked off if all tied exhibitors agree to participate in a run-off, if not, a coin toss will be used to separate the ties. 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 must disqualify any contestant for excessive use of a whip, rope, crop, bat or reins anywhere on the horse.

Extra Credit Should Be Given If:
(1) Roping Reins and not romal or split reins.
(2) Entry Number is shown on saddle blanket or on rider’s back.
(3) A comment line that says where the horse is in the pattern.
(4) Color coordinated rider and equipment.
(5) Model cuts in extremely close to poles.
(6) Model exhibits flexion, tork or supple body bends around barrels.

Points Should be Deducted If…
(1) Rider uses spurs forward of the cinch.
(2) Loss of hat

Required Tack:
A western stock saddle without tapaderos. The saddle can have either squared or rounded skirts. Can be gaming, working or show saddle. Breastplates are optional. A saddle pad resting under all pressure points is recommended but not required equipment. A western style bridle (browband, one ear, two ear, with or without throatlatch) with a curb bit including a curb strap or curb chain. Standard snaffle bit and bosal hackamores are permitted on horses 4 and under (5 and under for Arabians and Appaloosas). Roping rein are typically seen. Split reins can be used and are typically knotted together. Tie-downs and leg protection are optional.

Prohibited Tack:
Tapaderos are prohibited.

Rider:
Attire is jeans, trousers or pants over western boots, long sleeved shirts, (vest, tie and jacket are also permitted) belt through loop, and western hat. Chaps are optional.

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Set-Up Options:
Arena Fencing Required (Indoor or Outdoor Arena)

Types of Fencing Allowed:

• Painted or Natural
• Post and Rail
• Post and Plank
• Chain Link
• Solid Plyboard
• Plyboard with Top Rail
• Post with Drape Rope
• Stock Tube Pipe Rail
• Interior Arena Wall

Footing Required:

• Dirt
• Sand
• No grass base
• No rock base

Backboard or Natural Setting (Indoor or Outdoor)

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Examples of Pole Bending:

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