Hi everyone! I hope you and your awesome horse buddies are doing great. This month, I’m sharing some cool tips about polework—one of my favorite ways to keep my horses Joey and Casper in tip-top shape.
Polework is awesome because it helps your horse stay strong and flexible, which is super important whether you’re into show jumping, dressage, or cross-country. It’s really fun, but it can also be a bit challenging for your horse, so remember to take lots of walk breaks.
How to Do Polework
Warmup
Your horse needs to be really focused for polework, so spend some time getting them ready during your warmup. Encourage your pony to work “long and low,” and practice riding him over different pole shapes to engage all his muscles.
Boost Your Horse’s Energy
Poles are great for getting your horse energized and engaged. You might notice his transitions getting a super boost, whether you’re going up or down a gait.
Joey loves polework—his trot-to-canter transition feels totally different, in a good way.
Keep it Simple
You might see fancy pole layouts online or in magazines, but you can have just as much fun with simple shapes at home.
The Triangle
This one’s easy—just lay out three poles in a triangle. You can do so many exercises with just three poles!
Ride straight over the point to the middle of the opposite pole, focusing on keeping straight. Or trot or canter from the middle of one pole, bending to the middle of the next pole.
You can also practice your halt transitions in the center of the triangle. If you don’t halt right in the center, you’ll see it clearly!
Straightness
When riding a straight line, keep your weight even in the saddle, squeeze with both legs to keep your pony straight, and look ahead. You’ll tend to end up where you look! Keep equal rein contact and use your legs to correct if your pony starts to drift.
Suppleness
Help your horse bend with your inside leg and support him with your outside leg and rein. Make your aids clear, and if your horse doesn’t react, rebalance and ask again.
Cool Down
Always finish on a good note. Give your horse a good walk until his breathing is normal again and reward him. Joey loves his treats!
Have fun,
x Esme
This article about polework appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
