polework for lone rider

C

Cassy

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 July 2007
Messages
483
Visit site
I want to do some polework (on the ground) with my horse but have no-one around who can move the poles about. So once set out without me keeping getting off and dragging my horse and poles around I am pretty limited. Just wondered if anyone could suggest layouts which would lend themselves to riding in variety of ways.
Thanks
 
How many poles do you have?

I tend to set up 3 different exercises at various points in the school so maybe a fan of poles in one corner, 3 straight poles on a long side and then a square of poles on the centre line. Sometimes I set up a course like a jumping course but just using poles to either trot or cante. There are loads of different set ups you can use, try a search on YouTube or Google and that will give you some great ideas.
 
This is a western one, but some of my English rider friends have done it and found it useful.

You need at least six poles - eight is better.

Arrange the poles like the spokes of a wheel on a 20m (or bigger if your school is more than 20m wide) circle (the circumference of the circle would be the 'tyre' if it was a wheel!) The distance between them should be totally random but with no less than 2 strides (11m) between each. You aim to ride over the middle of each pole, first of all in trot. Don't try to place your horse and don't worry if he hits most of them to start with - focus on keeping him on the correct arc of the circle, meeting each pole straight and keeping a good rhythm. Keep going until you get a good rhythm and fluency. Yo can also do this in canter, or trot half the circle and canter half. It's quite tiring so take it steady to start with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top