Using trot poles for beginning jumping can work well for students or for a green horse. The beginning student should be mounted on a seasoned horse that knows how to manage trot poles with a jump. The green horse should be ridden by a rider who is experienced with trot poles and jumping.
See Trot Poles – Teaching the Lesson Horse, for my post on training your horse over trot poles
See Beginner Trot Poles – Lesson Plan for teaching the rider.
This lesson assumes your rider or horse is confident trotting 5 poles on the center line in 2 point without jumping.
Step 1
The first step is the set up. You’ll need 5 poles, 2 standards with cups (wing standards or plain) and 4 markers, either cones, barrels, block or buckets.
You will set up your five trot poles on the center line. The length of your arena of your arena will determine whether you set up exactly at X or whether you will need to leave more room after the poles. You want enough room for a good approach (at least 5 strides after the turn) and more room after pole #5, in the event the horse canters. Us markers to guide the rider’s turn at each end.See illustration #1.
Pole Placemenmt
Depending on the stride of the student’s horse or pony, an average/approximate distance to place between poles would be as follows:
3 feet between poles for small ponies
4 feet between poles for large ponies
4’6” for average horses
4’10” for large striding horses.
These lengths according to horse size are a guide. Adjust them according to your horse’s stride.
For a more thorough explanation of pole placement check out my blog post Trot Poles – The Set Up For Riding Lessons
A Note About 2 Point
When riders are first learning, I teach them to pick up two point before the poles and hold it until after the poles. This helps steady the rider so they can feel the horse. I also have the rider hold a neck strap.
I do the same with a green horse. Holding a quiet two point allows the greenie to focus on their job and not be disturbed with the rider’s balance change. When the rider is confirmed in two point and has developed a feel for the horse’s movement through the poles and over small jump, I teach them to sink into the saddle over the poles. This creates a quiet rider, fewer refusals, and a more confident horse.
When the horse has a confident, unhurried rhythm over the poles and jump I begin to lower my weight into the seat the last few strides. This creates a horse who is less worried and gains confidence over fences.
Step 2
Have riders concentrate on straight lines to the middle of the poles beginning and ending with good turns between the cone and the arena rail. This will keep horses from cutting turns after jumps. You can give the rider a focal point on the straight line. Alternate from right rein to left rein to keep the activity fresh.
When the horse and rider are trotting the poles comfortably, picking up 2 point the and quitting 2 point in the right spots, roll the 4th pole to the 5th pole. You will have a space that is double the size originally between the poles. This allows the horse the area he needs to jump.
Step 3
Once horse and rider are comfortable with step 2, use pole 4 and 5 to make a cross rail. A cross rail helps the rider and horse focus on the center of the jump. Since your cross rail will start out small, you can have the horse and rider combination trot through the poles, over the jump, and land trotting. An easy relaxed gate will create a less powerful jump. Riders will maintain control and direction faster if they land at a trot. Green horses will be discouraged from rushing by asking them to land at a trot.
Variety
Once the horse and rider are confirmed landing at the trot, you can have them land at a canter. This will require more impulsion through the poles. Usually having the rider apply leg at the second or third pole will create enough impulsion but horses and riders will vary.
Alternate between landing at a trot and landing at a canter. This control will become important when the rider is ready for grids.
Raise the cross rail according to your rider or horse’s ability.
Make the cross rail into a single rail with a ground pole.
A Note About Green Horses
If a green horse is confident and confirmed over trot poles before starting jumping he will be miles ahead in developing a steady approach over fences. When you build his jumping experience with this lesson because it allows the horse to learn how to jump without rider interference. If your horse is hot and gets fast over the cross bar avoid grabbing his mouth and bringing him back to a trot or hurrying to slow him down. If he begins to anticipate a grab, he may begin to panic and try to get through the exercise faster.
Rushing fences is usually a result of fear on the horse’s part. Run outs and refusals come from asking too much to soon, or too much at one time. It is well worth the time to put a solid foundation into a horse.
If you’re interested in more trot pole ideas , check out this article in Equine Wellness Magazine.
It’s your turn!
Do you have a special trot poles exercise? I’d love to read about it in the comments.
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