The Replace Pole obstacle in Working Equitation develops and demonstrates several core skills that are central to the discipline: – it combines accuracy, obedience, rider skill, and real-world practicality, making it a key obstacle for showcasing partnership and technical control in Working Equitation.

Construction Requirements – (same barrel as for pickup)

🛢️ Barrel

Open top, well-balanced, lightly weighted.

🪵 Pole

2.4–3.5m long, 25–30mm diameter; shorter poles (≤2.5m) recommended for Intro and Prep levels.

📍 Placement

Pole is placed butt-end down in barrel, tip should be clearly marked.

Exercise 2: You will use the same Barrel for both Pole Pickup and Deposit.

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Performance

⭐ Introductory

Walk or trot beside the obstacle; optional to carry pole.

🐎 Preparatory

Walk or trot; trot earns higher marks when done well.

⭐ Preliminary

Must be performed at trot.

🐎 Novice and Above

Must be performed at canter.

🔁 Motion

For higher score, the obstacle must be completed without halting or circling the barrel.

🔄 Canter Lead

For Novice and up, correct lead improves EOH score
→ Right lead for right-handed riders
→ Left lead for left-handed riders

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Obstacle Sequencing for Exercise 2

(Note: that since creating Exercise 2 we have had clarification from WENZ that Preliminary levels and below cannot ride any other obstacles between the pickup and deposit of pole except for the Spear Ring and the Knock Ball so our competition will not involve the Stock Pen between for those levels)

⭐ Intro & Preparatory

Riders will complete the Stock Pen while:
➤ Carrying the pole, or
➤ Riding one-handed where possible (if not carrying the pole)

🐎 Preliminary

Entire sequence must be performed at trot

The following will be treated as one obstacle with parts a, b, c:
➤ Pickup
➤ Stock Pen
➤ Deposit Pole

🏇 Novice & Above

Riders will complete both the Stock Pen and the Jump

Must be done while carrying the pole

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Riding Tips

• The rider should accurately place the pole (butt end first) back into the barrel while staying in motion
• This tests fine coordination between hand, seat, and horse, without sacrificing rhythm or balance.
• As soon as the previous obstacle is completed, the rider should begin to turn the pole so that the butt end is now forward.
• Having the butt end forward early has a few advantages, it allows the horse to see the Pole is shifting position and helps to prepare the horse for the deposit. It also ensures you place the pole butt end down and helps to ensure the deposit isn’t late.
• Push the pole into the deposit Barrel and keep control of it. It helps to imagine you are pushing the pole into mud, imagine squishing the pole down. This helps to prevent the pole from bouncing out of the drum or from knocking the barrel over by throwing the pole into the Barrel.
• Lightly but cleanly release the Pole as you pass the barrel and depart the obstacle mindful of the direction you need for the next obstacle.
• Knocking the barrel over is a serious fault, bumping it is also penalised.

Obedience & Responsiveness of the Horse

The horse must stay straight, balanced, and attentive while the rider uses one hand to handle the pole.

It reinforces trust and calmness while managing working or farm-like tasks.

Rider’s Skill & Correctness

Tests the rider’s ability to guide with one hand.

Correct canter leads at Novice and above highlights the rider’s finesse and horsemanship.

Progression of Difficulty

At lower levels, it is simplified walk/trot, (optional to carry pole at Intro).

As levels increase, riders must canter, use the correct lead, and manage the pole in combination with other obstacles.

This reflects Working Equitation’s principle of progressive training.

Practical Roots

Historically, Working Equitation obstacles are based on real ranch/farm work. Carrying and replacing poles simulates working and shifting cattle while on horseback.