Barrel Racing Course.

Contestants vie for the fastest time by racing their horse around three barrels set up in a cloverleaf pattern. The horse and rider are allowed a running start, and time begins and ends when the horse's nose crosses a set line across the arena. The contestant may choose to run the course starting with either the left or right hand barrel and follow a path like the one shown here.

A five second penalty will be added to the time for each barrel that is knocked over. If the horse does not follow the required pattern, the contestant will be disqualified.

Pole Bending Course

Pole Bending is an excellent test of skill at controlling the horse. The rider and horse try to achieve the fastest time while weaving in and out through 6 six-foot poles that are equally spaced at 21 feet apart.

The contestant may choose to run the course starting to either the left or right hand side of the poles, then run the rest of the pattern accordingly. A rider may touch a pole with his/her hand.

A five second penalty will be assessed for each pole that is knocked over. Even if a pole has been knocked down, it does not alter the pattern of the course.

If the horse does not follow the required pattern, the contestant will be disqualified. Should the horse cross the start/finish line while rounding the end pole, it also results in disqualification.