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United States Pony Clubs
4041 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8462
Phone:  (859) 254-7669
Fax:  (859) 233-4652

Game Setup:

Bending pole 3 must be placed on Line B. Spread two bending poles on either side of pole 3. All must be between 24’ and 30’ apart and in a straight line. All riders start the race behind Line A. Riders 2, 3, & 4 must start the game behind the 6-yard line. Give the baton to rider 1.

Game Play:

Rider number one, carrying the baton, rides across Line A, down the line of bending poles, passing them on alternate sides, turns around the last pole and returns in the same manner, crossing Line  A.  Once behind line A, he/she hands the baton to rider number two.  Riders two, three, and four complete the course in the same manner.  The winning team will be the team whose fourth rider crosses the final line first, mounted and carrying the baton.

Correction rules:

• Riders are allowed to touch the poles if they have been knocked in an effort to steady them or keep them from falling.

• Riders must replace poles if they are knocked over and must rebend the pole that was knocked over in the proper bending direction. It is useful for the other team members to tell the rider which way to bend when he is attempting to make a correction.

Special Tips:

Remember the holding area line (6-yard line) is six yards from Line A and Line C.  During the playing of the games only the next rider out may be in front of this line.  All others must be behind it in the holding area.  If there are more than one outgoing rider in front of the 6-yard line, the team will be eliminated for that game.

Each rider should start bending the poles on the side of the pole that is best for him and his pony.   However, since most riders are right-handed, it is suggested that each rider on the team begin with the pole at their  RIGHT shoulder (or on the LEFT side of the pole). This makes it easier for team mates to help each other with corrections. Each rider is riding the course exactly the same so there is no need to remember if the rider started on the left or the right.

• Remember that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Riders should ride the poles as straight as possible using the legs to control the turns around the poles. Don’t over steer with your hands.

• Both riders should keep their eyes on the baton at all times until the handoff is complete. See handoff tips.

• Riders should hold the baton near the bottom. This leaves plenty of the baton available for the outgoing rider to grab. See handoff tips.

• The rider may also use half-halts to control the pony during the last turn. Using half-halts usually allows the rider to make closer turns around the last pole. Be careful not to knock down over the pole while making the turn.

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