26/05/2024
As you know I love using poles in training as they can have a massive impact on our horses way of going.
I am a big fan of Gillian Higgins and Horses inside out so on Thursday evening I ventured out to the Extravaganza at Hartpury. I had a brilliant time. It was very informative, Gillian and her team presented everything clearly and with alot of charm. Personally I thought Eric was the star of the night - what a dude!
It was fascinating to watch the skeleton and muscles in motion and also to see the changes when the horse flexed or lifted its spine and thoracic sling. All beautifully explained by Gillian aided by parts of an actual horse's skeleton, really making the bio mechanics of the horse easy to understand.
We saw the horses working with and without riders. In extension and collection. Going straight and sideways. Over jumps and on the flat.
Gillian demonstrated how the horse has to change the way it uses itself when going over poles and raised poles in walk, trot and canter.
Without a doubt using polework in your horses training can have a massively positive effect what ever level you are training at and what ever discipline you pursue.
The key is to correctly assess your horse's strengths and weaknesses and then use the best exercises to help them. Some involving poles and some not!
When pole work is used in conjunction with other exercises and correct riding the results can be transformative.
This is something that 'Outside the box' is really passionate about.
So look out for the next clinic dates - I look forward to working with you.
Melanie.
PHOTO CREDIT TO JADE HANLON
