In-hand pole exercises

[Toby773]

I don't mean polework in the sense of trotting poles, but when they are laid on the ground for horses to walk between, back up, etc. like tram lines, that sort of think.

What are the actual benefits of doing this? Can't people teach their horses to go backwards without them?

Same with some of the other stuff like walking over tarpaulins, stepping on see-saws. What is the actual point?

Thoughts please.

 

[Snowysadude]

Erm if you want to compete in those horse agility classes they have started in Devon?

! Well technically i think started in Norway but have started it up in England!!

Otherwise i dont have a clue, i know some people on my old yard did this as its what the monty roberts lady taught, but i have never personally tried it

 

[emilyriddell]

Some of it could be good for Le Trec training, should help them to be less spooky on hacks if they can walk over tarpauline and other strange stuff in a controlled environment. Poles can help flexibility and agility and getting the horse thinking where it puts its own feet.

 

[MrsMozart]

Ditto itsem

Little Cob gets very bored in the school(!), so D1 puts out all sorts of things to help to keep his attention and get his interest. It's paying off as he is getting better, and he hardly spooks on hacks now (used to hate sandwich board type signs, white markings on the road(!), and sort poles with reflective things on them...).