Pole work exercises are great for horses and riders. Pole work helps build strength and mental toughness, which is crucial for showjumping, dressage, and cross-country. There are many pole exercises to choose from, including ridden and in-hand. Each exercise is unique and will produce a different result.
How Do Pole Exercises Help Horses?
Plastic horse jumps polesare a great exercise to improve your horse’s flexibility, fitness, and mobility. They can increase the horse’s range of joint motion and mobility, encourage engagement of their hindquarters, and improve stride length and balance.
Doing the right exercises with your horse will improve your horse’s ability to walk and perform canter. This is a great way to improve performance in dressage or other disciplines. Plastic show jump poles exercises will, just like any exercise, also increase strength.
What Are The Different Types And Uses Of Pole Work?
You can perform two pole exercises: in-hand and on the ridden. Each of these options has its unique advantages.
Horses doing in-hand exercises can rest their backs and build muscle where the saddle usually lies. A great way to evaluate your horse from a distance and see any issues, such as weak points. Horses that drag their left toe while crossing poles. The exact results for your horse will depend on how you exercise it, but they may be toning or strength-building.
Sports Mark pole work benefits the horse and rider more than any other in-hand training. You can improve your precision and straightness as a rider. However, it also helps you and your horse concentrate – a mental and physical workout. You can get many benefits from rigging your horse. If you prefer to continue with in-hand activities, see our 3 Exercises to Improve Rider Mobility to build strength.
Simple Ridden Pole Work Exercises
Do all five exercises with both hands to avoid injury and uneven muscle build-up.
Pole Exercise 1: Zigzag
Set up seven poles in a zigzag design. When necessary, the setup can be extended to include raised poles. This increases the difficulty for both horse-riders.
There are three possible ways you can ride this setup. Each helps horses stay focused and engaged while also building core strength.
Pole Exercise 2: Crop
Create a square with four trotting posts. Next, add two poles to either side of the other poles to create a configuration similar to the generic icon. This setup is versatile and can be used in various ways.
By riding through the centre of the square, the crop configuration can be used to practise upward or downward transitions. Straightness is also possible throughout.
Pole Exercise 3: Chevrons
Six poles create a series of three chevrons. This leaves 2.75m between each of the chevrons. This quick layout can be ridden in walk/trot or canter. It can also be advanced by raising poles at varying distances to shorten or lengthen your horse’s strides.
Pole Exercise 4: The Fan
Use six poles to form a fan shape. Place each pole 1.5m (6 feet) apart at the narrower end of the fan.
This should be done with your horse in an active, bending walk. Depending on the length of the line you follow through the poles, your horse can adjust his stride to suit the distance. This exercise can be furthered by raising each pole individually or at once.