It is almost inevitable that we all, at some point have incorporated poles as part of training plans, schooling exercises or had riding instructors use them for fun during lessons.
The fact is that poles can also be used as part of a rehabilitation and strengthening programme, alongside the advice and assessment of a chartered physiotherapist.
Locomotion over poles alters how the horse moves, alters the horse's stride, increases limb movement and increases flexion of the spine.
With this in mind, the use of pole work can encourage movement whilst assisting in the development of muscle and muscle strength within certain muscle groups.
Muscles within the horse's body work in opposing pairs; where one muscle will be contracting and the opposing muscle will be relaxing.
Abdominal and spinal muscles work in this opposing manner, flexing and extending to extend the spine and maintain stability of the trunk.
When working correctly the abdominal muscles support and lift the mass of the horse's body, while the spinal muscles stabilise and maintain the horse's top-line.
It is these features of the working relationship that enable the horse to work in a rounded outline.
An additional benefit to this working relationship is that when working correctly it encourages correct hind limb propulsion by enabling the horse to fully bring his hind limbs underneath him, in turn optimising performance.
When beginning to use poles as part of your programme you will need a cavesson and a lunge line.
At this stage no other gadgets (side reins and other similar training aids) should be used, as it is important that the horse is allowed to move freely and independently.
It is a good idea to practice moving about the school with your horse, whilst leading him using the cavesson and lunge line before putting the poles out.
Practice walking and trotting with him about 3 metres away from you, using your hand or a short riding crop to encourage him away from you.
Once you have mastered control in this way you can bring in the poles.
Begin with a walk and have the poles set to between 90 and 100cms apart.
Alter the distance to suit your horse's stride if you need to, in order for his movement to be comfortable when going over them.
It has been shown that 6 poles are effective when working to re-train and strengthen muscles.
There are different ways in which you can lay out your poles on the ground (and then raised once you decide to increase the level of training) in order to achieve specific results or to work towards a specific goal, but all of which should be done over a period of about 20 minutes.
This is a sufficient amount of time working over poles to be of benefit, however if your horse becomes fatigued in a shorter period of time than this, reduce the time spent training in this way initially and then gradually work up to 20 minutes.
One of the most beneficial exercises to help the engagement of the abdominal muscles requires two poles to be placed end to end (leaving room in between for you to stand) in a straight line, with the inner ends raised by 20cms.
The idea is that you will lunge the horse in a circle over these poles (making sure the horse steps over the middle of the pole rather than either end), whilst standing in the middle of the two poles.
Benefits of this simple exercise include: 1.
Mobilising the lower limbs.
The inner limbs will have a shorter, higher step and the outer limbs will use a longer lower stride.
2.
It encourages greater extension of the outer hind limb.
3.
It will bend the thorax region of the spine in a lateral curve.
4.
The horse will use his head and neck in order to assist balance.
5.
Promote mobilisation of the scapula on the ribcage as it rotates.
This assists in retraining the scapular stabilising muscles.
6.
Promotes contraction of the abdominal muscles on the inside of the circle and relaxation of the outer abdominal muscles.
7.
Strengthens the inside hind limb Slalom exercises over poles work similarly to slalom exercises performed by agility dogs.
The poles will be placed in a straight line (the number of which should be determined by how fit your horse is), beginning with a set of 3-4.
This exercise is more difficult for the horse as he will be stepping over one side and then back over to the next repeatedly.
His abdominal muscles will be flexing and relaxing alternatively.
Keeping all of these tips in mind should allow your horse to really benefit from the use of poles in training and improve its strength and agility.
The fact is that poles can also be used as part of a rehabilitation and strengthening programme, alongside the advice and assessment of a chartered physiotherapist.
Locomotion over poles alters how the horse moves, alters the horse's stride, increases limb movement and increases flexion of the spine.
With this in mind, the use of pole work can encourage movement whilst assisting in the development of muscle and muscle strength within certain muscle groups.
Muscles within the horse's body work in opposing pairs; where one muscle will be contracting and the opposing muscle will be relaxing.
Abdominal and spinal muscles work in this opposing manner, flexing and extending to extend the spine and maintain stability of the trunk.
When working correctly the abdominal muscles support and lift the mass of the horse's body, while the spinal muscles stabilise and maintain the horse's top-line.
It is these features of the working relationship that enable the horse to work in a rounded outline.
An additional benefit to this working relationship is that when working correctly it encourages correct hind limb propulsion by enabling the horse to fully bring his hind limbs underneath him, in turn optimising performance.
When beginning to use poles as part of your programme you will need a cavesson and a lunge line.
At this stage no other gadgets (side reins and other similar training aids) should be used, as it is important that the horse is allowed to move freely and independently.
It is a good idea to practice moving about the school with your horse, whilst leading him using the cavesson and lunge line before putting the poles out.
Practice walking and trotting with him about 3 metres away from you, using your hand or a short riding crop to encourage him away from you.
Once you have mastered control in this way you can bring in the poles.
Begin with a walk and have the poles set to between 90 and 100cms apart.
Alter the distance to suit your horse's stride if you need to, in order for his movement to be comfortable when going over them.
It has been shown that 6 poles are effective when working to re-train and strengthen muscles.
There are different ways in which you can lay out your poles on the ground (and then raised once you decide to increase the level of training) in order to achieve specific results or to work towards a specific goal, but all of which should be done over a period of about 20 minutes.
This is a sufficient amount of time working over poles to be of benefit, however if your horse becomes fatigued in a shorter period of time than this, reduce the time spent training in this way initially and then gradually work up to 20 minutes.
One of the most beneficial exercises to help the engagement of the abdominal muscles requires two poles to be placed end to end (leaving room in between for you to stand) in a straight line, with the inner ends raised by 20cms.
The idea is that you will lunge the horse in a circle over these poles (making sure the horse steps over the middle of the pole rather than either end), whilst standing in the middle of the two poles.
Benefits of this simple exercise include: 1.
Mobilising the lower limbs.
The inner limbs will have a shorter, higher step and the outer limbs will use a longer lower stride.
2.
It encourages greater extension of the outer hind limb.
3.
It will bend the thorax region of the spine in a lateral curve.
4.
The horse will use his head and neck in order to assist balance.
5.
Promote mobilisation of the scapula on the ribcage as it rotates.
This assists in retraining the scapular stabilising muscles.
6.
Promotes contraction of the abdominal muscles on the inside of the circle and relaxation of the outer abdominal muscles.
7.
Strengthens the inside hind limb Slalom exercises over poles work similarly to slalom exercises performed by agility dogs.
The poles will be placed in a straight line (the number of which should be determined by how fit your horse is), beginning with a set of 3-4.
This exercise is more difficult for the horse as he will be stepping over one side and then back over to the next repeatedly.
His abdominal muscles will be flexing and relaxing alternatively.
Keeping all of these tips in mind should allow your horse to really benefit from the use of poles in training and improve its strength and agility.