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 Expert
Posts: 2276
  
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | I've only ran poles on one horse in my life and that was my Issac.
Other than that I've always just done barrels, seriously anyway.
Those of you that run poles....what type of horse is it? It's running style, body type. Things like that.
Do you think certain types of horses excell in poles more than barrels and vice versa??
considering trying Hemi in poles. |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| I would say a big long strided horse which is what I prefer but I have seen some really short horses that can haul it through the poles. You just really need a horse that is a true athlete. This is mine. He is 16.1, has a long stride and is just a natural at poles. Here is a pic from the World Paint Horse Show. I just got it today. That is my trainer riding NOT ME>
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| My mare is by no means a champion pole horse, but she currently gets 25 second patterns without being really pushed on it, or really trained a lot. She's 16 hands and 1300#, built like a tank. Picture is from Kentucky State Fair this year. 25 second I think.
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | I'm in with everyone else so far. My boy is 16 hands and 1200 or so lbs. Big stride and isn't the quickest between the poles, but he hauls tail in and out. So far our fastest time is a 22.1 and that was last fall with very limited practices and runs. We used to do them more at local association shows and such, but I'm being a ground and weather snob these days. Tomorrow- not happening in the frozen south. Here is a pic :) He earned 10th in state with this run and less than an hour from his chiro adjustment.  |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| When Edwin Cameron comes to town he changes things up when it comes to poles. He consistently runs mid 19's. His horses are usually about 15.2 or 3. They are extremely athletic and darn hard to beat. They ARE enjoyable to watch. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 956
Location: Washington | I think it really depends on how athletic a horse is in my eyes. I have seen taller horses go smoke a run...then I have seen small ponys (small) go and smoke 21 and 22 second patterns. I have yet to say a such and such height or build is going to get you that 20 second pole run, because you never know what that tall gangly thing is going to run. Or what that short and squaty thing is going to come and run.
JMO |
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| The horse has to be athletic, and I think they have to be smart. A smart horse will find the variety interesting. I've seen big, tall, lanky horses, ponies, short, stocky horses--just depends on the horse. A good pole horse doesn's necessarily have to be the fastest up and down, but the smoothness through the poles can make up for a lot of lack in speed.
Knew of an app horse that was really good and he never went faster than a lope coming home. LOL I've seen some ponies that could outrun all the big horses. Knew a really big and stout horse, almost looked draft type but wasn't, that could smoke them.
Have fun and make it fun for your horse. |
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 Saint Stacey
| The best pole horses vary in size and athletic ability. They tend to be on the watchy side and don't want to hit. They stay very upright and vertical both in the weaves and on the ends. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Odie is our pole horse, bought him as a 1D barrel horse, at the vet check vet commented that he looked like he would be good at poles and had another vet make the same comment- said he was lean and the way he carried his head made them think that. My daughter started playing around on poles with him and he seemed to love them. His 2nd time to enter he ran a 21.3 followed by a 20.5 and this was a Texas high school state finals. Our pole horse go hurt so he got recruited- we had no idea he would run that- he got bumped up to the #1 spot. Here is a video of him at one of the evening jackpots there. He lost time on his turn but still ran a 20.5.
Morgan and Odie Jackpot |
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 Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | My pole horses are sisters and are small under 15 hands. Their bodys are or underline is long. It's hard to tell cuz most pole pictures are collected up in a turn.
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Hemi is 16.1 long and lanky. He doesn't really get down for the barrels, likes to stay upright. He really likes to be operated with my legs, nothing in his mouth and is very very smart!! I'm really thinking he would make a good pole horse. Doesn't seem like barrels is what he wants to do and I think that's a huge part of our problems....he gets bored and doesn't enjoy it. |
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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| My old horse was 13.3 and super talented when it came to running poles.
He was my first contest horse, and really he had tons of natural talent. My trainer said he had the ability and potential to be a 19 second pole horse....BUT here is where the issue was:
I wanted a jam up barrel horse-not a jam up pole horse. Quite frankly-I just didn't love poles enough to learn how to teach my horse the tools he needed to do that....the best I got him to do was run a low 22.
Mind you though-he was green....and I am still newer to the sport....(going into my third year).
My trainer got him to run some 21's, but he liked to come up off his hind end at the end poles with slow work because he didn't want to collect himself for his end turns.
I have taken my new horse through the poles a time or two...and now I can tell how talented my other horse really was with poles. My new horse is definatly a barrel horse-and does not have the ability my other horse had.
I don't think size matters....my first horse was just quick, catty, snappy, and followed his nose naturally.
My thought is you never know till you try!!
Here is a video of my very first pole warm up with him-two years ago! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNtL9YDqHMc
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  A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | My little 14.3 cow bred gelding has clocked around 25, but that's not with constant hauling/running/working. That's just from what hubby did with him years ago.
I've only ran him a handful of times, & not asking for everything he has, & he has clocked 27 so far with me. So we'll see just how fast he ends up when he's in good shape & being hauled more often..
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 365
| I've seen all body types win the poles. It takes alot of athletic ability. When I bought my horse I got told by several people including the person I bought him from that Dinkys Red Man horses are known for pole bending, he's a grandson and built just like a DRM horse. They weren't lying, if I could ever get with him and keep up he'd be at the top. As it is we've ran 21-22 with minimum experience and me holding him back.
My favorite thing ever was at a show with several good pole riders/horses and this little 13 hand poa pony ridden by a 7 year old went out in Open poles and kicked @*# with a 21, he placed second barely. I don't think it's necessarily the speed in the poles, just athletic talent. |
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 Wishing on a star
Posts: 7935
Location: Where if you don't like the weather...wait 5 mins! | Fallon and KC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsZyBeDkpM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUGsDaIEVrXVkKuL-CckHNXQ |
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