457. POLE BENDING. Pole bending is a timed event.

(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 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.

(e) A five-second penalty will be assessed if the hat or helmet is

not on the exhibitor's person for the entire time the exhibitor is in

the arena in pole bending.

(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/her discretion, may disqualify a contestant

for excessive use of a bat, crop, whip or rope in front of the cinch.