1 THE ZIGZAG
It is harder than it looks to ride over the poles in the zigzag in an accurate straight line. This requires at least three poles.
To help place the poles at the correct angle with the right space in between, build a triangle that will be seen side-on from A or C, rather than pointing up or down the school. The pole that is parallel to the centre line can then be removed.
■ How to ride it
Introduce the zigzag exercise in walk so that the horse can understand what is required of him. Ride over where the poles meet (black arrows on diagram, left). When you’re ready, move on to do this in trot.
Progress to riding a straight line from A to C in trot (green arrows on diagram). The challenge is keeping the horse on the line and not allowing him to move off it, plus finding the exact line that suits your horse’s stride length so that he can trot through with no disruption to the rhythm or balance.
Use your legs to keep him straight. Keep your hand relaxed, following his head should he stretch his neck down over the poles.
■ Next steps
Riding over the middle of each pole and then riding a circle before approaching the next pole (blue line on diagram) works on bend and turning skills.
Begin on the left rein and trot over the first pole towards the outside track. After the pole turn left so that you circle around to find a line to the middle of the next pole. Repeat the circles between the rest of the poles: your circles will alternate between left and right.
■ Why it works
Going over angled poles needs a focused horse as he has to concentrate more on where he is putting his feet, compared with travelling over a straight pole.
Circling in between the poles is useful for a horse who is keen and rushes, as the turning in opposite directions helps keep him focused. He is less able to predict where he is going and requires good bend through the body.
Riding over the points of the triangle works on accuracy, both in terms of how precise your line is and clear your aids are, as well as how well your horse listens.
MARCH