In this lesson, Paula Curtis explains the essentials of pole bending, a gymkhana event where precision and control are key. With six poles set approximately 21 feet apart, the goal is to navigate smoothly around the poles while maintaining a straight line through each turn. Paula emphasizes the importance of leaving a large pocket when rating the horse, allowing for a clean, straight approach into each pole. Paula explains that starting slow and riding through the poles with a straight line is c