Fun Over Trot Poles

This article is from the July 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

Introducing your pony to trot pole work, is fun and it adds variety, as well as a challenge to you and your pony’s training. Pole work also helps to increase your pony’s muscle tone and flexibility, whilst keeping them happy and healthy both mentally and physically. Nothing is more boring to your pony than just going around and around in circles all the time.

Riding over trot poles is also a good introduction to jumping, it helps you and your pony learn how to approach an obstacle, helps regulate your pony’s stride and aids in improving balance and rhythm for the both of you.

Suitable trot poles can be made of wood or PVC, they can be as long as four metres or as short as two and half metres, and generally ten centimetres in diameter. As they are made of different materials, they tend to vary in weight. Generally, the heavier the better, they don’t move as much when knocked.

It’s a good job for mum or dad to get involved with as it is a great help to have someone on the ground to keep the poles in line in case your pony bumps them.

Start with a single pole

Start off with a single pole placed on the ground and be sure to place your trot pole in an area that is free of rocks and holes. You may like to introduce your pony to the pole by approaching the pole dismounted, just to let him know that there is nothing to be frightened of.

Walking over the pole

Once you have done this, get on board and walk him over the pole, talking to him as well as using your leg aids to urge him on and at the same time soften your contact, he may even stretch his neck and head right down to have a good look at it, allow him to do this. If you are a bit worried at first, get a friend to walk beside or in front of you at first until you get your confidence. Then walk over the poles several times, not forgetting to change your rein (direction).

Trotting over the pole

Once you and your pony are confident and relaxed do it on your own, then the fun begins with trotting over the pole. Establish your rising trot first perhaps on a large circle, then straighten up and then go over the pole. Keep at an even pace, and concentrate on your rhythm and impulsion. Don't look down or back at the poles, always look where you are going and remember to breathe.

Once your pony is trotting happily over the pole, introduce two more poles, make sure they are all in a row and evenly spaced. Never just use two poles or your pony may think that he has to jump over the two poles like a spread jump.

If your pony is about the size of Freddy, 9.2 hands high, start with a little over a metre apart. Again mum or dad can measure the distance for you.

When you and your pony can trot confidently over the three poles, you can then start to add more poles one at a time, till you form a grid like appearance. Don’t overdo it, five to seven trot poles is a good number for you and your pony to handle at first.

with Catherine Shelley

NCAS EA SSTA/ CE Level 2 General Coach, NCAS Level 1 RDA Coach, Dip. of TB racing - Melton Equestrian accredited with EA Ready, Set, Trot program.

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