Boost suppleness and straightness with poles
BEFORE YOU EVEN think about leaving the ground, it’s important to consider whether your horse has the strength and stamina to get around a cross-country course. It can be tough going and a flagging horse is the last thing you need when you’re coming up to a solid log. Poles are a simple but effective way to boost his strength and make him more aware of where he’s putting his feet. “Polework is great for encouraging your horse to bend and flex his joints and engage his core,” explains Ibby. “They also help your horse to become more supple through his back, which will help him to make a better shape over a fence. “When you’re riding over poles, try putting them off the track, towards the centre of your school. This will help you to practise straightness and stop you both from relying on the outside fence to guide you.”
How to ride it
SET IT UP: Place five trot poles (or more) in a straight line down one side of your school, off the track. These should allow one of your horse’s footfalls between each (roughly between 1.2m and 1.7m, depending on your horse’s stride length): a) Go large and ask your horse to trot. b) Look ahead for your poles. c) Turn down towards your poles, focusing on riding over the middle of each pole. d) As you ride over the poles, sit up tall and look ahead. e) After the poles, ride straight until you’re back to the track f) Change the rein and repeat on the other side. ADD VARIETY: Place the poles around a corner to encourage your horse to stretch and use his inside hind leg.