Try This Poles Exercise!

Walk / trot poles and transitions on a circle

Pole work is an excellent tool to build strength and flexibility, especially through the core and limbs. Pole work can help increase the range of joint activation and mobilisation, adding in transitions will improve fitness.

How to do the Exercise:

Start with four walk poles on a circle (0.8-1.0 metres apart), and another four poles set at trot pole distance on the opposite side of the circle (1.2-1.5 metres apart).

Start by walking on a circle over just the walk poles.

Once your horse is moving well through the walk poles, then transition to trot between the 2 sets of poles and trot over the trot poles. Transition back to walk after the trot poles, and repeat this exericse moving up and down through walk-trot-walk transitions.

Continue around the circle completing transitions between the sets of poles. Make sure to complete the same pattern, and same number of repetitions on both reins.

Ensure that you allow your horse to stretch his head forward and down over the poles and that you ask for correct lateral bend on the circle.

Alternatives and Progressions:

• For less intensity, complete the exercise in-hand rather than under-saddle

• In-hand pole work, you can walk alongside your horse, or send them out on a lunge circle, or long-rein.

• Vary the timing of your transitions before and after each set of poles

• Vary the number of poles used

• Vary the size of the circle