This obstacle consists of a pole at least 8 feet long, that can be raised above the ground depending on the level. The horse approaches the pole (from the right or left, as indicated in the course directions) perpendicular to the pole. The horse moves sideways, with the pole always positioned between the hind legs and the front legs. The horse should not touch the pole at any point. The following variations may be used:

·      - Straight line

·      - "L" shaped

·      - "U" shaped

·      - Parallel pole shape of two or three parallel poles.  May be required to move forward to next pole or halt and back to the next pole, or pirouette to the next pole. 

       - Three poles set in half a hexagon shape with 1 meter distance between the poles.  This variation will be performed with ¼ canter pirouettes between the poles. 

Gait Required:   

All levels are done in the walk but with the option of cantering at the Advanced and International levels.

·     Preliminary - Pole is executed in either a sidepass or a full pass at the walk only using a straight line or "L" that is not raised.

·     Intermediate - Pole is executed in either a sidepass or a fullpass in walk only using a straight line, "L", or parallel poles.  Pole cannot be raised more than 4 inches (10 centimeters).

·     Advanced -  Pole is executed in a full pass at the walk or canter using any of the options.  Pole cannot be raised more than 4 inches (10 centimeters). 

ad  International - Pole is executed in a full pass at the walk or canter using any of the options.  Poles cannot be raised more than 4 inches (10 centimeters).

Obstacle is judged on:

The attributes of the correct working horse and rider.  The horse's ability to move laterally and with straightness over the obstacle without touching the pole.  The horse's shoulder should always be very slightly ahead of the haunches.    At the Preliminary and Intermediate levels, a full pass will be awarded higher points than a sidepass. At the Advanced and International levels a higher score will be awarded if the rider correctly canters rather than walks a full pass along the pole.