The goal for the association is to continue its growth as well as grow the Louisiana district into a successful program. (a) Each contestant will begin from a running start and time shall begin and end as the horse’s nose crosses the line. 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 two watches used by official timers to be the official time. (b) The pole bending pattern is to be run around six poles. Each pole is to be 21 feet (6.4 meters) apart and the first pole is to be 21 feet (6.4 meters) from the starting line. Poles shall be set on top of the ground, six feet (1.8 meters) in height, with no base more than 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter. (c) 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. (d) Knocking over a pole shall carry a five second penalty. Failure to follow the course shall cause disqualification. A contestant may touch a pole with his or her hand in pole bending. However, if the course has been altered from the original pattern it will constitute a No Time. (e) A fine of $50 will be assessed if the hat or helmet is not on the exhibitor for the entire time the exhibitor is in the arena while completing the pole bending course. (f) In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the runoff must rerun the pattern within two seconds of its original time or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to the two second rule, but will apply to the final runoff time. (g) The judge, at his or her discretion, may disqualify a contestant for excessive use of a bat, crop, whip or rope in front of the line of the cinch. (h) Poles shall be set on top of the ground, 6 feet in height and mounted in bases with a 14 inch diameter. Poles shall be PVC pipe and bases shall be rubber or plastic. For added safety, PVC caps are recommended. Preferred color for poles is natural white, but red, white and blue rings shall be allowed. Solid rubber bases are preferred, but hollow plastic bases shall be allowed only if filled completely to emulate a solid base. (i) To illustrate, here is an example of a system that would comply with the preceding specification: Poles cut to 6 foot lengths from schedule 40 PVC with glued on rounded caps, mounted in hard rubber Josey bases. (j) Nosebands, bonnets and tie downs are permitted, however, these items cannot have any bare metal in contact with the horse’s head, regardless if they are covered. Any chain, wire, metal tie downs or wire bonnets are prohibited!
