Know Before You Go
Rules
It is our mission to provide all competitors with the best experience possible. Before you haul, review the rules for the event you’re entering.
Rules specific to the PEWC Finals are on that event’s page.
The pattern
Six poles
Standard pole bending pattern, six plastic poles set 21 feet apart.
Timer line
Set 21 feet from the first pole. Electronic timers preferred but not required.
Knocked pole
A 5-second penalty per pole.
Points & divisions
Points are awarded in a 3D format. Splits are determined by how the producer submits results.
| Riders in the class | Points for 1st in each division |
|---|---|
| 1 – 10 | 10 |
| 11 – 20 | 20 |
| 21 – 30 | 30 |
| 31 – 40 | 40 |
| 41 and up | 10 more for every additional 10 riders |
How it steps down
Every place below first is worth one point less. In a class of 33 riders at a double point tour stop, first is worth 80, second 78, third 76, and so on. Each division scores off the same class size.
Age divisions
Set by your age as of January 1. Open is 19 and older, Youth is 18 and under.
Every run counts
No cap per day, and every horse earns its own points. Ride two in a division and both placings count.
Year-end
A member keeps points only from the division in which they have the highest standing.
Double point shows
Allowed with a $30 per show date sanctioning fee. How sanctioning works.
Payouts
100% of advertised added money and 75% of class fees are paid out, less any sanctioning fee per run.
Splits
Poles, Youth, Senior and Adult classes and sidepots run a 3D full second split.
Runs only
Points come from individual runs. No points are awarded for averages.
How results are read
If a producer submits 2D results, 1D and 2D points are awarded. If they submit 4D or more, 1D, 2D and 3D points are awarded on full second splits.
Ties
In the case of a tie in the standings, MPBA flips a coin to determine the winner.
Release of liability
Participants understand that injury or death, to themselves, their horse or their child, is a possibility, and agree to hold harmless the Midwest Pole Bending Association, its agents, management, contractors and employees from any expense, cause of action, damage or claim. Full language is in the bylaws.