2 THE TRIANGLE
The triangle is a simple but effective shape as it can be ridden at all paces from multiple directions and works on both straightness and bend.
Build a triangle at X so that you can approach it from all directions. Just a simple triangle on its own, which only needs three poles, can be ridden through from six different directions: either in over a point and out over a pole, or vice versa, on all three sides.
■ How to ride it
Be accurate when you ride over any of the points of the triangle and make sure the horse doesn’t cross over at one side (blue line on diagram, right). Walk first, to allow your horse to work out what is required, especially if you haven’t ridden him over a triangle before.
Increase the test of bend and suppleness by entering the triangle over the middle of the pole and bending the horse left or right to exit over the middle of another pole (green line on diagram). This quickens the horse’s response to your bending and turning aids, and tests whether your aids are early enough.
You can also ride small circles that take you in and out of the triangle close to any one of its points (purple line on diagram). Experiment with your line: the smaller the circle, the closer together the poles will be.
■ Next steps
Increase the difficulty by adding extra poles after each side of the triangle at an appropriate distance for your horse. If the poles are placed at a canter distance it is also possible to trot through.
The aim is for the horse to move into and out of the triangle, continuing on his straight line for longer and with more effort to elevate the stride over the extra poles without disrupting the rhythm.
■ Why it works
The various lines test the horse’s ability to stay on a straight line and the rider’s ability to keep the horse straight between hand and leg. When approaching the triangle at its point first, it is even more of a straightness test because you only have a small area for which to aim.