Pole Bending Video

Pole Bending Video Lessons via mail

by Ken Smith

I can review videos of your pole bending runs. I will use slow motion and stop action and I'll record my comments on your video.

I'm convinced of the value of this learning method. We regularly video our own pole bending runs and then use slow motion and stop action to identify problems. I have found it to be invaluable for detecting and correcting problems with both the horse and the rider. The camera does not lie, and you will find that the comments add insight and real help.

Hi Ken -
I am so amazed and excited about all that you had to teach me! Your voice-over with being able to watch my body and my horse's position was excellent! I have been to quite a few clinics for barrel racing and I still don't think I have learned as well as watching your videos. Being able to slow it down and watch every movement is so helpful. Your instruction makes so much sense, and along with Wayne Sandberg's book, it has me feeling more knowledgeable and very excited for our coming season! Your (DVD ) was excellent! You have a talent for being able to see what both horse & rider are doing and can convey that in easy to understand language. Thank you again! And I loved all the "sample" runs you included, what a great learning tool. Yours for better horsemanship, S.

Ken, Just got back in town and watched the video tonight. EXCELLENT feedback for my daughter. I'm excited to watch it with her tonight. If she'll apply your feedback (and I think she will) it will really improve her runs. Thanks so much. I am very pleased with your work. We'll let you know her progress.

How to Order, and what to send me:

I would like you to send me a video of 3 or 4 runs. I would like to see at least one run from the side and at least one run from the end, but that is not a requirement. See the section below on advice for the camera operator. Don't be bashful about sending runs with mistakes that you know need correcting. I can work with your DVD, VHS tape, or mini-DV tape. I cannot work with VHS-C or Digital-8. Note for DVDs: Some cameras and DVD burners require you to perform a type of CLOSE operation in order for it to be readable in other devices. Please try the DVD in a DVD player before you send it. Note for mini-DV tapes: Different camera makers use slightly different standards. My cameras are Canon brand. Tapes from other cameras will most likely work, but sometimes the compatibility is not as good as it should be. If the runs you want to send me are already videoed, then I will work with the quality you have, however good it is. However, for future reference, you will want to record the runs at the highest resolution possible, as that will provide the best quality. Use SP mode for tape, if it is available on your camera and/or your VHS recorder.

The price of $29.95 US includes First Class postage to the United States or Canada. Sorry, but we are not set up to accept credit cards. 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, Washington 99403
509-780-9426

Questions? Ask us via email, or give us a call:

Advice for the camera operator

There are optimal locations for the camera, depending on what we want to study. I like to see runs videoed from the side and from an end. The side view will show the horse's strides and turns, and the end view will show the rider's reining and the horse's flexion, and whether the horse is staying on the ideal track.

Generally, the most helpful side position is near the middle of the six poles. Adjust the camera zoom so that you can see a little more than two poles in the frame. That will capture all of the horse and rider, and give you the needed perspective as they go through the pattern.

There is not a great deal of difference between one side and the other, unless you are looking for something specific. For example, to best see how the horse and rider complete their turns, I prefer to be on the side where the horse will turn the end poles toward me as I'm videoing. To best see how the horse and rider approach and enter their turns, I prefer to be on the side where the horse will turn the end poles away from me as I'm videoing.

I also like to see runs from one end or the other. From that position, I like to be slightly to the side so that all 6 poles can be seen in the run. That would be about 5 feet or so off the pole line. You need to use the zoom when positioned at either end so that the horse and rider remain in the frame, neither too far away nor so close that you can't see what is happening.

Also, getting up in the air always helps. If you can video down on the pattern, You have a better view of what is going on.

Video the horse entering the arena, and continue until the time is announced.

If the camera has an "SP" mode setting, then it improves the quality if you can use that setting. When building a VHS tape, set the VCR to "SP" mode, if possible, to preserve that quality.

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