Pole work improves the stability of your horse’s core and makes flatwork more interesting. A registered trainer and judge explained that the pole work helps improve your horse’s top line and suppleness. They also encourage him to step under with his hind leg more. Pole work is a way to increase your horse’s stride length. You can use the poles to help slow horses and improve their rhythm. The poles can be placed further apart for horses that have shorter strides. However, if you are trying to improve your horse’s collection, you can reduce the distance among the poles.
Also, horses who work over poles may become more agile because they must lift their legs higher to get over them. Plastic horse jumps can be especially beneficial if your horse is recovering from an injury or needs to build strength.
Why Should You Attempt Pole Work?
“Pole work improves balance, control, and steering ability. Stef explained that poling requires precision. ‘Your horse will need to focus on his destination and what he’s doing. And you’ll need to look up and ahead to plan your route. It’s excellent if riders tend to look down at the horses’ hands.
Plastic show jump poles can improve straightness in horses inclined to be crooked. Even though you may be riding your horse around a circle with pole work, you must keep him from falling through his shoulders and over-bending.
Riders should aim to ride in the middle of the pole when doing pole work. Coloured poles make concentrating your attention on a particular colour in the centre more accessible specially of you have horse of unique horse colors. It would help to have your horse placed between your leg and your hand. You should be able to make minor adjustments and get your horse to respond quickly.
“Pole work’s greatest asset is its ability to ride on as many lines and shapes as your imagination can handle. You have the freedom to ride over and around the poles.
Pole Work Can Increase Your Horse’s Synchrony and Ease with Pole Work
You can improve your horse’s flexibility, balance, rhythm, and coordination by having him work over poles. Sports Mark helps you understand the benefits of pole work and gives you the confidence to have your horse work over poles to improve his performance.
Pole work doesn’t only benefit horses that she jumps; it is also beneficial for dressage horses. It’s a wonderful way to keep your horse fit and continue to work.
Before you do any of these, warm up on the floor for 10 minutes. Next, work over trotting rods and include them in your warmup routine.
Exercise 1: Scattered Poles
This simple exercise encourages your horse’s neck to stretch and check out where the poles are. Allow your horse to work it out while you ride the poles. The most important thing is maintaining a smooth trot rhythm and riding to each pole’s centre.
Exercise 2: Canter Round With Poles
Jay likes to use this pole exercise once a week with all his horses. It’s a progressive movement, and you can easily adjust the poles with the help of a friend.