05/23/2025
🐴💪 It's Joint Health Month—Let's Talk Pole Work! 💪🐴
When it comes to keeping your horse's joints healthy, movement matters—and pole work is one of the best low-impact ways to keep them active, strong, and mentally sharp.
Pole exercises encourage your horse to move with intention. As they step over each pole, they naturally engage muscles that support their joints and develop better coordination and balance. It's a simple way to strengthen the body without putting excess strain on tendons or ligaments.
But pole work isn't just physical; it's also a great mental exercise. Horses need to think, adjust their stride, and stay focused, which helps keep them engaged and confident, especially during rehab or light work days.
🌟 Try These Simple Pole Work Setups (in-hand or under saddle):
✔️ Walk over single ground poles
✔️ Trot through a line of evenly spaced poles
✔️ Add a slight raise for strength-building
✔️ Try fan or serpentine patterns for bend and balance
✔️ Create a pole box for a challenge in all directions
Regardless of age or discipline, every horse can benefit from pole work. Lay down the poles this week and keep those joints moving—safely, gently, and with purpose.
QUICK NOTE: If your horse is in rehab, get approval from your veterinarian before performing any of these exercises.
