 | This article includes a list ofgeneral references, butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations. Please help toimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(September 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 Pole bending | |
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Mixed-sex | Generally female, some males, particularly at youth levels |
| Type | |
| Equipment | Horse,horse tack |
| Venue | Indoor or outdoor riding arena |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | United States,Canada,Mexico |
Pole bending is arodeo timed event that features ahorse and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. This event is usually seen inyouth andhigh school rodeos,4-H events,American Quarter Horse Association,Paint andAppaloosa sanctioned shows, as well as in manygymkhana or O-Mok-See events.
The Nez Perce Stake Race is a type of pole bending race which is also amatch race: two horses race on identical courses laid out side-by-side, with the loser eliminated and the winner moving up the brackets to race the other winners. It is not a timed event.[1] It is one of five game classes approved for horse club shows by theAppaloosa Horse Club (ApHC).[2] The ApHC rules state that racing competition is traditional to theNez Perce Native American people.[1] However, it is unclear if this particular competition is derived from any traditional competition.