Pole Bending Video!

We have a self-produced video available on DVD that demonstrates the technique and the exercises we teach at our clinics, and includes examples of some of the drills we use which we feel are an important part in training success for both horse and rider. Included are examples of correct technique and also problem analysis. Several high speed pole bending runs are also included.

The video progresses like this:

Example of the technique, ridden slowly at a trot and lope, shot from overhead.
Rider positions - position-left, position-right, and why we use them, and what the reins and legs do.
A lesson with Ken - where he rides one of our horses through suppling exercises, turning drills, bending drills, showing how and why, and how to fix problems - 45 minutes for this portion alone!
Slow motion and stop action high speed turns and bending examples.
Other problems.
Examples of high speed runs.

This is a very full DVD. And we now include at no additional charge a second DVD Supplement that clearly shows the technique from an overhead position, at slow training speeds and rapid bending. Since this is all our own material, we are able to periodically adjust the contents to take into consideration feedback comments.

For a brief sample from this video, start the media player below.

Ken,
I just wanted to let you know that I received your dvds a couple of days ago and I am really impressed with the content. I have learnt a lot and the last couple of days I have gone right back down to basics. I have taken the bridle off and gone back to a snaffle and spent lots of time in a trot shaping her by using my inside hand and leg. I must admit I am struggling with myself to keep my hands down but she seems to be getting it. Today I kept her going through the poles at a lope several times and didn’t knock a single pole down, in fact we didn’t even get close! I am going to keep it slow for a while to really retrain myself and her. Thanks again for a great product!
B. in England

Ken,
Your video is FANTASTIC. It is so clear and informative. You have broken down each move in a very understandable manner and shown step by step how to apply it. Your methods have already made a big difference in the way my horse is working and brought out ALL of our weak areas! I like all of the suppling exercises you use and explain which areas they will help your horse in. Thank you for making such an informative video. It is helpful on many levels and will truly improve horsemanship in anyone who sees it.
J.

Order Here:

DVDs are IN STOCK! The price is $31.95 each, US funds, plus one flat $3.00 shipping and handling fee, regardless of quantity, no tax to you, and we will ship USPS First Class anywhere at that price. You can purchase using Paypal (click on the Buy Now button) or with a personal check or money order (see below). (For those outside the US and Canada, note that DVDs are encoded as NTSC All Regions - no region locking.)

Would you rather not use Paypal? We will accept your personal check or money order for $34.95 US funds total, which includes shipping.. Make check or money order out to Sunrise West Quarter Horses, LLC and mail to:

Ken and Pat Smith
Sunrise West Quarter Horses, LLC
2240 4th Avenue
Clarkston, WA 99403
509-780-9426

Books We Recommend

(We do not sell these books, but we own personal copies and we recommend them. We have provided information to help you locate and order them.)

Effective Horsemanship, by Noel Jackson

This book was originally published in 1967 and is now out of print. It is regarded by many serious horsemen as a classic. The presentation is for English riding, but the principles are timeless and cross all disciplines. I have found the illustrations for lateral work to be very helpful. Click on the cover photo at the left, and an inside page example will display.

We do not sell this book. Now out of print, copies often can be found using the web search at Amazon.com. (link opens in a new window).

The New Toughness Training For Sports, by James Loehr

This book deals with the mental part of competition. A young competitor told me once, "I don't know what it is about it, but when I ride through the gate, something sucks out all my brains!" If you have a problem remaining focused under pressure, if you can't remember what happened after your run, then I recommend this book for you. It will help you face the pressures of competition with confidence. It has helped me, and I do recommend it. Click on the cover photo at the left, and an inside page example will display.

We do not sell this book. New and used copies can be found using the web search at Amazon.com. (link opens in a new window).

Understanding Equitation, by Jean Saint-Fort Paillard

This book was first published in the US in 1975 and is now out of print. It is regarded by many serious horsemen as a classic. The author was a French cavalry officer and instructor, and participated in three Olympic Games - in Three-Day Eventing and Dressage. The presentation is for English riding, but the principles are timeless and cross all disciplines. I have found the author's impressive understanding of how horses learn and proper use of the aids to be very helpful. Click on the cover photo at the left, and an inside page example will display.

We do not sell this book. Now out of print, copies often can be found using the web search at Amazon.com. (link opens in a new window).

Centered Riding, by Sally Swift

I really like the drawings in this book. The author uses illustrations such as looking with eyes in your shoulders, melting like ice cream on a hot day, legs stretching until they reach the ground, holding baby birds in your hands with the reins, and many more. The writing is a little Zen-like at times, but I have found the images to be truly helpful, and I do recommend it. Click on the cover photo at the left, and an inside page example will display.

We do not sell this book. New and used copies can be found using the web search at Amazon.com. (link opens in a new window).

Nineteen Second Pole Bending, by Wayne Sandberg

This is the book that got me ( Ken Smith ) started in the serious pursuit of pole bending competition. When I began my quest for pole bending information, I discovered there was not a lot out there. I ordered this book and discovered it was filled with detailed information on horse and rider technique, rein and leg aids, training exercises for the horse, and advice to help the rider be successful. The author was the first to write a book on this specialty, and he has studied the subject thoroughly. The book has proved very helpful to me and I do recommend it. Click on the cover photo at the left, and an inside page example will display.

There are portions that can be considered challenging, and because of this, I have written some notes to accompany the book. They provide further explanations with larger, more detailed photos. If you own this book, we encourage you to download a free copy of these notes.
Get the free Pole Book Notes here: Pole Book Notes. .pdf opens in a new window).

We do not sell this book. Bruce Sandberg, the author's son, now markets it via the web. You can order the book from the Sandberg web site here: Nineteen Second Pole Bending. (link opens in a new window).

If you found this information via a search and you have not yet seen our Pole Bending and Horsemanship section, we would like to encourage you to take a look.