Speed / Barrel Racing
Intermediate
20 min
Pole Bending Pattern Practice
Focus: Speed, Agility, Accuracy
Equipment: 6 poles or standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 6 poles in a straight line, 21 feet apart (standard pole bending distance).
- Walk the pattern first: run to the far pole, weave back through all 6 poles, weave back again, sprint home.
- Jog the pattern to learn the rhythm and turns.
- The horse must weave smoothly through the poles without knocking any over.
- Lope the pattern at 50% speed. Focus on smooth, tight turns around each pole.
- The pattern is: straight run up, weave right-left-right-left-right-left, turn at the last pole, weave back, turn, weave, sprint home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Knocking poles because the turns are too tight.
- The horse dropping its shoulder into the turns.
- Losing speed in the weaving section because of poor turn technique.
- Not practicing the pattern at slow speeds before adding speed.
Variations & Progressions
- Time the pattern and track improvement.
- Practice individual turns around a single pole for technique work.
- Run the pattern at 80% speed for competition simulation.
Tip: Pole bending is the ultimate agility test. A horse that weaves smoothly at speed has incredible body control.
