The power of polework

Exercise two: Canter poles

Set up 3 poles in a straight line with 10 pigeon steps (9 for shorter striding ponies) between them. First trot through them twice on each rein. The horse should take two steps in each gap. Next, canter through them and try and find the right canter that matches the striding; it should feel nice and lifted, like you are cantering through waves. Do this three times on each rein. Always finish positively. This exercise helps with rhythm.

Exercise three: The Triangle

Use three poles to make a triangle; one pole straight and the other two to a point. To make it slightly easier put another pole next to the point at the same angle as the bottom of the triangle. You may want to walk through first if your horse hasn’t seen this exercise before just so it understands the question being asked. Then build up to trot through base side of the triangle first, and then do it the other way. You will find it is harder to keep straight at the pointed end. The horse should fit two or three steps in the triangle. This exercise helps with accuracy.

Exercise four: The fan

You will need around three or four poles for this exercise. Set the poles up at the same distance as Exercise 1 with 5 pigeon steps in the middle but this time you create a fan shape on a circle (if your horse struggles with this then do 10 pigeon steps between).

Use the middle to begin with, then move on to each side to collect or extend while keeping a bend. I like to do two sets on a circle for example one at A and one at X. This is quite an intense workout for the horse so do a few sets then have a rest before repeating. This exercise improves suppleness.

All these exercises can be done individually or can be set up around an arena or field and tackled in turn like a little course.

If your horse does not understand any of the exercises or makes mistakes be patient and take the horse back to beginning and slowly rebuild.

Polework should be fun; if you are ever unsure about any part of the exercises, please ask for help from a qualified professional.