Island Life Magazine Ltd December/January 2018 | Page 91

Equestrian
TRAINING HORSES
with Robert Booth BHSI
I like to use poles a lot, both in
lessons and when schooling
the horses. I constantly have a
full set of jumps set up in our
school so that the poles can
be used, moved and placed to
help with exercises.
Most people think of pole work in
jumping, but I actually use them a lot for
flatwork too. In flatwork, we can place
poles on the ground to work between
and around for straightness and
direction. Having the poles there helps
riders focus and complete an exercise,
and stops them cheating.
Trotting poles are used mostly in preparation for
jumping, to develop the rider’s forward seat, balance
and jumping position. They are a gymnastic exercise
to improve fitness, muscle tone and athleticism
for the horse as they help to keep straight, keep a
rhythm, use the back and neck, and get a bit more lift
to their stride. There are many different patterns and
exercises to do with trot poles, using from three to
eight poles as you progress in difficulty.
Using poles and grids can be hard work for the horse
- rather like a gym workout - so it’s best to progress
gradually. The quality of the canter can be improved
with canter poles and they are really helpful in
teaching the rider how to shorten and lengthen the
horses’ stride, useful for both dressage and jumping.
For the rider it helps them develop a feel for a good
canter and get an eye for seeing a stride for jumping.
There are many useful things to do with poles on
the ground, but above all they are a good change
from your dressage or jumping routine by improving
concentration and adding variety to your horse’s work.
Robert Booth is an Equine trainer for Rodgebrook
Horses. Telephone: [phone] or visit
www.rodgebrookhorses.co.uk.
Useful tips on training your
horse: Raised trotting poles
For the more advanced horse
and rider, lifting the alternate
end of a line of trot poles
makes the horse lift his stride
by bending his knees and
hocks and using his neck and
back more.
Having the poles four or
five inches off the ground
requires more concentration
and energy from the horse
and encourages more
engagement, strength and
use of muscles.
Start with three and slowly
build up to no more than six.
www.visitilife.com
91