29/05/2025
A strong core is developed by building muscles slowly but consistently. Changing up exercises is sometimes the trick to helping motivate both the rider and the horse to challenge themselves. Feeling like they’re both accomplishing exercises that work towards their goal while also building strength in a way that keeps them engaged by changing it up.
I have clients in many disciplines and I encourage them all to think outside the box, try to utilize exercises outside your normal to help keep your horse’s mind eager and their bodies strong
Training Tip Tuesday. Using ground poles and cavaletti is a an excellent way to help your horse engage their core, lift their backs and add cadence to their steps. Not to mention, it helps the horse to improve proprioception, balance and coordination. It will challenge the brain and the body making training more enjoyable for horse and rider.
In this exercise, we use bending lines to help improve the horse's lateral suppleness. The cavaletti here can be used help the horse lengthen or collect the stride depending on how you would like to challenge your horse.
It is imperative, however, that you position the poles at the appropriate distance for the gait that you will be working to allow the horse to be successful. Larger horses may require longer distances; where as, shorter horse may require a little shorter distance.
Walk poles - approximately 3 feet (3 to 4 heel to toe steps)
Trot poles - approximately 4 feet (4 to 5 heel to toe steps or 1 medium stride)
Canter poles - approximately 10 feet apart
Get creative and think about the movements that are required at your level. Once you have a good idea of what is needed, then you can create pole patterns like this one to help your horse develop the skills to perform at a certain level.
