2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

124 Section 19. Pole Bending Class Description: Pole Bending is a timed event. Exhibitors are to run a set pattern around the poles. A. Arena Arrangements: The pole bending pattern is to be run around six poles. Each pole is to be 21 feet apart, and the first pole is to be 21 feet from the starting line. Poles shall be set on top of the ground, six feet in height, with base more than 14 inches in diameter. B. Class Procedures: 1. Each contestant will begin from a running start, and time shall begin and end as the horse’s nose crosses the start/finish line. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. In the event of a tie, the horse to be declared the winner in the run-off must re-run the pattern within two seconds of its original time or the run-off must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to the 2-second rule but will apply to the final run-off time. Pole Bending Pattern