07/08/2022
Benefits of ground poles at the walk, trot and canter.
Having the appropriate distance between poles is key in getting the full benefits of pole work.
These are the stride lengths for an average sized horse. What your horse needs may vary, be prepared to adjust based on their comfort level.
✨WALK ✨ You should always start ground pole work at the walk.
Walking ground poles, improves core stability, joint flexion and vertebra spacing.
Walking poles can be challenging for them because they are unable to use the momentum like in the trot, so they are having to really engage every muscle and think of each foot fall.
Walking poles also reduce tension and increases range of motion
✨TROT✨
Trotting ground poles plays a strengthening role.
It creates back, hindend and pelvic stability.
Releases stored tension along the topline (think hollow back), which helps strengthen the spinal stabilizing muscles.
✨CANTER✨ – cantering ground poles should only be done when they’ve become comfortable with poles at the walk and trot. Cantering poles too soon can cause back tension and anxiety.
When done in a relaxed state, cantering poles will tone the thoracic sling, loosen the shoulder and improve flexion and extension in the back.