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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:

Place four bending poles 24’ to 30’ apart evenly spaced between Line A and Line C. Place a rubber ring in the slot at the top of each bending pole. Riders 1 & 3 start the race behind Line A and riders 2 & 4 start the race behind Line C. Riders 3 & 4 must start the race behind the 6-yard line. Give the sword to rider 1.

Game Play:

Rider 1 carrying the sword, rides to one of the poles, and picks the ring off the pole with the sword. He then rides to the changeover line and after crossing the line, hands the sword to rider 2. Both riders may only touch the handle of the sword. The rings may not be held on the sword at any time except when remounting after a correction. Riders 2, 3, & 4 complete the race in the same manner alternating changeover lines. The winning team is the team whose fourth rider crosses the finish line mounted with all four rings on the sword. Riders should NOT bend the poles.

Correction rules:

• If the rider drops a ring, the rider may retrieve it mounted or unmounted., by hand or with the sword. He must resume the race from the point where he dropped the ring. The rider is allowed to hold the ring on the sword until he is ready to resume the race.

• If the pole is knocked over while picking the ring, it does NOT need to be reset.

• If the rider misses one ring, he may pick a ring from another pole. However, if the ring falls to the ground, the rider must pick up that ring and only that ring.

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.

• Riders should hold the sword with his index finger laying down the handle. Do not cross over the cross piece however. This will make it easier to steady the sword and point at the ring. This method makes the sword an extension of the rider’s arm.

• The team should work out their strategy for picking up the rings ahead of time. Then the rider can concentrate on picking up his ring. However, if the rider misses, just pick up the next available ring.