---

Pole Bending Horse and rider run a serpentine pattern through six poles that are six feet in height and placed 21 feet apart. More difficult than barrel racing, pole bending requires the horse to change leads, in other words, to change which front leg is put forward as it weaves through the poles. A five-second penalty is assessed for each pole that is knocked down. Breaking the pattern results in disqualification. The fastest time wins.

---