trotting/canter poles

[xxcharlottexx]

hi, i wanted to start introducing trot and canter poles to my horse before i start jumping him

but ive forgoten what distance is needed between each one.
hes 16.0hh and has got an average stride

ive got size 7 1/2 feet, could someone please estimate how many fairy steps to put inbetween each pole

thanks

 

[PapaFrita]

Since they are your feet perhaps you should measure them with a ruler?
An average horse stride is 12ft. Can't remember trotting/canter poles distances though.

 

[ann-jen]

An average canter stride is 12 ft as mentioned. I find its take 4 of my big strides to stride out 12 ft. An average jump pole is also 12 ft long so try striding out alongside one and see how many of your strides you get for the length of the pole and then use that as a guide.
For trot strides I usually find its roughly 4-5 fairy steps but varies from horse to horse.

 

[tiggersdad]

Try using a tape measure to work out your striding I have to take larger steps to measure a yard. The distances are
http://www.cee.hw.ac.uk/~rose/equine/jump.htm
Hope this helps