Steal The Bacon ​

Objective

Riders compete to grab the hanky from the center of the arena and race back to their team’s side to ring one of their bells before being tagged by the opposing rider.

Team Setup

• Teams will be positioned at opposite ends of the arena.

• Each rider is assigned a number. Numbers are called at random by the announcer.

• Riders are paired against an opponent of similar skill level from the opposing team.

• If teams are uneven, riders will be paired as closely as possible. A handicap may be applied to balance competition, either by horse or another way. 

The Hanky

• A single hanky is placed on a pole in the center of the arena.

• Riders must pass the pole before turning back toward their team’s side.

• The hanky must be visibly secured (in hand or on the horse) when the rider rings the bell.

Ringing the Bell

• After retrieving the hanky, the rider must race back and ring one of their team’s two bells at their starting line.

• The bell must be rung with the hanky clearly visible in hand or attached to the horse.

• Ringing Wrong set of bells will award points to the other team

Tagging Rules

• The opposing rider may tag the rider with the hanky before the bell is rung.

• If a tag is made before the bell, the tagging rider’s team earns 1 point.

• If the bell is rung before a tag is made, the hanky-holder’s team earns 1 point.

• No points are awarded if:

  • The hanky is dropped or knocked off before the bell is rung.

  • The rider rings the bell without possessing the hanky.

  • The result is unclear or there is no consensus between the judges.

Wrong Rider Engagement

• If a rider whose number was not called enters the arena or grabs the hanky, 1 point is awarded to the opposing team.

Hanky Engagement Rule​

• Riders must engage the hanky from the right side of the pole using their left hand. This ensures a safe and consistent flow of traffic around the center point.

• Riders must cross the E B Line ( these are letter on the wall)  (the line running through the center of the pole where the hanky is hung) before turning back toward their team’s bells.

• This rule is in place to prevent unsafe head-on approaches at the center of the arena.

• Failure to comply with either requirement will result in an automatic point awarded to the opposing team.

• The round may be stopped immediately if the violation creates an unsafe condition.

• Knocking down pole with out Hanky on pole, Play continues

• Knocking down pole with hanky on it, Play stops and everyone goes back to line. 

Scoring Summary

• 1 point for ringing the bell with the hanky in possession.

• 1 point for tagging the opposing rider before they ring the bell.

• Only 1 Point awarded per run

• No points if:

  • The bell is rung without the hanky.

  • The hanky is dropped or dislodged before the bell.

  • The outcome is unclear (as determined by the judges).

Rules & Safety Expectations

• Tags must be clean and controlled. No pushing, pulling, grabbing clothing, or interfering with reins.

• Riders must maintain safe conduct at all times. Any round deemed unsafe will be stopped immediately.

• Good sportsmanship is required. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.

• Ryan and Krissy will serve as the official judges. Their decisions are final.

  • If they cannot agree on a ruling, no points will be awarded for that round.

Timed Format

• The event is played against the clock.

• A time limit of 10 minutes is set for each round.

• The team with the highest total score when time is called will be declared the winner.

• Time limits and number of matchups may vary depending on the event schedule and number of participants.

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Awards

• Once Round Robin is complete we will add all the points from the whole show for each team. Team with Most Points accumulated from all matches will place first. 

• If there happens to be a tie, A tie breaker will be ran.