Training Feature
Young Joey had a good look at the poles before deciding he could tackle them after all
Exercise 1 – Trotting over canter poles
The riders were then asked to trot over the poles coming one at a time. Being younger, Joey had a good look at the poles on his initial attempt but settled on his second go, whereas more experienced Carlos took them all in his stride.
Kitty reminded the riders to keep on the same line. “I don’t mind what line you ride the poles on – more to the inside or more to the outside - but you must follow the line you start on in order to stay straight. Don’t let your horses drift in or out – they have to keep turning over the poles.
“The poles are on a steeper curve than a 20-metre circle in a dressage arena, so you need to turn more steeply than you think to stay on the right line. You’re both riding more of a triangle shape at the moment, because you’re starting off on a curve that’s too shallow and then having to make a sharp turn to get over the last poles.”
The riders were soon coming over the poles on both reins, with each horse sorting out where they needed to put their feet and staying in a good rhythm, balance and outline.
Exercise 2 – Raising the issue Carlos trotted through the canter poles without any problems
Next, Kitty raised the poles to the middle height, asking the riders to canter over them. Having done very little of this type of work before, both horses had a good look first time, but they soon got the hang of things.
Kitty offered some advice for the riders: “Have a contact on the outside rein and keep your inside leg on to prevent the horses drifting in. Also, look up beyond the poles to where you are going, rather than looking down. Let the horse work out the poles and
what he is doing. And think of keeping the horse’s shoulders straight in front of you as you come over the poles.
“Allowing the horse to work things out for himself is a great thing to teach him and it could get you out of trouble on the cross-country course if something goes wrong.
“Your job is to get the horse to the fence on a good rhythm and line and the horse’s job is to jump the fence. Therefore, be careful not to interfere with things too much.”
Kitty reminded Lizzie to keep turning over the canter poles and not to look down 20 FEBRUARY 2020 | For advertising telephone 01380 734373
Joey tackled the poles well, with Kitty also reminding Aimee not to look down
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