Pole Bending Associations

Pole bending is a timed equestrian event that takes place at gaming shows, rodeos and other riding events. Displaying speed and agility, horses and their riders weave through patterns of six poles. The rider who completes the course fastest is declared the winner. There are multiple associations catering to those who perform and enjoy the sport.

  1. Appaloosa Horse Club

    • The Appaloosa Horse Club (appaloosa.com) is an international breed registry that serves to record and preserve horse heritage and history, while providing resources to "promote, enhance and improve" the appaloosa horse breed. Membership is offered at a variety of levels, from nonprofessional to individual lifetime. In 2011, dues ranged from $10 to $500 per year. The Appaloosa Horse Club is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho.

    Foundation Quarter Horse Breeders Association

    • The National Foundation Quarter Horse Breeders Association (nfqha.com) was established in 1995 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the breed. In addition to setting the breed's standards, the organization provides certification to horses that meet those standards. Membership is granted upon the successful completion of an application. In 2011, annual membership dues ranged from $12.50 for those under the age of 18 to $200 for foreign lifetime membership.

    National Pole Bending Association

    • Founded in 1995, the National Pole Bending Association (polebending.org) operates for the purpose of "promoting the equine event of pole bending." In support of this mission the group sponsors pole bending shows throughout the year. In addition, the group holds an annual hall of fame ceremony, honoring the best horses, breeders and exhibitors of the year. In 2011, adult membership to the National Pole Bending Association was $40, while youth membership could be obtained for $25.

    Pole Bending Associations by State

    • There are many horsing associations that support pole bending events in specific states. The Western Nevada Horseman's Association (wnha.info) and Horses4Heroes (horses4heroes.org) serves riders in Nevada, while the Midwest is served by the Glacial Ridge Appaloosa Club (glacialridgeaphc.bravehost.com) in Minnesota, Iowa Quarter Horse Association (iowaquarterhorse.com) in Iowa, and Massillon Saddle Club (massillonsaddleclub.com) and the Ohio Paint Horse Club (ophc.org), both serving Ohio. The Horse N Around Riding Club (horseshowcentral.com) serves those in parts of Ohio and West Virginia. In addition, the New York State Quarter Horse Association (nysqha.com), the Utah Paint Horse Club (utahpainthorseclub.com), the Missouri Paint House Club (missouripainthorseclub.com) and Michigan Paint Horse Club (miphc.com) and the Florida Palomino Exhibitors Association (floridapalomino.com) serve riders in their respective states.