Pole bending is a rodeo timed event that features a horse and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. This event is usually seen in high school rodeos and 4-H events as well as American Quarter Horse Association, Paint, and Appaloosa sanctioned shows as well as at many gymkhana or O-Mok-See events.

Pole bending
Pole bending
Characteristics
Mixed-sexGenerally female, some males, particularly at youth levels
Type
EquipmentHorse, horse tack
VenueIndoor or outdoor riding arena
Presence
Country or regionUnited States, Canada
course layout
course layout

Nez Perce Stake Race

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Nez Perce Stake Race course

The Nez Perce Stake Race is a type of pole bending race which is also a match race: two horses race on identical courses laid out side-by-side, with the loser eliminated and the winner moving up the brackets to race the other winners. It is not a timed event.[1] It is one of five game classes approved for horse club shows by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC).[2] The ApHC rules state that racing competition is traditional to the Nez Perce Native American people.[1] However, it is unclear if this particular competition is derived from any traditional competition.

References

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