| Speed and agility are two highly prized qualities
in these contestant’s horses. These three speed events
pit the horse, under the skillful hand of its rider, against
the clock. Negotiating the prescribed pattern is a test of
the rider’s skill and the horse’s speed and agility.
A running start is permitted in these events and the fastest
time wins.
Speed Events |
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Barrel Race
Contestants vie for the fasted time in running
a triangular, cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. The
horse and rider are allowed a running start and time begins
and ends upon crossing a visible starting line. A 5-second
penalty is assessed for knocking over a barrel. The pattern
can be started either from the left or right, and contestants
that go off the prescribed course are disqualified.
Pole Bending
In this event, horse and rider compete for
fastest time working a linear pattern through six equally
spaced poles. The poles must be at least 6 feet in height
and spaced 21 feet apart. A running start is allowed and a
5-second penalty will be assessed for knocking a pole down,
and disqualification will take place if the team goes off
course.
Flag Race
A triangular pattern similar to that of the
barrel race is used, with the substitution of a pole in place
of barrel number three. The two other barrels will have a
bucket that is 3/4 full of rabbit pellets placed on top of
it, and a flag in one of these buckets. The rider may choose
to run to the right or left and as they pass the first barrel,
they pick up the flag, race past the pole, back to the second
barrel, and attempt to place the flag in the second bucket.
If the rider knocks over the first bucket or the pole, a 5-second
penalty will be assessed. If the rider does not pick up the
flag or misses the second bucket, no time will be given. If
the second bucket or barrel is knocked over, the rider is
disqualified. Looks easy, but try this at 30 plus miles per
hour!
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