Western
Intermediate
20 min
Loping Over Ground Poles at the Sitting Trot
Focus: Rhythm, Awareness, Stride Control
Equipment: 4 ground poles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 4 ground poles spaced 6 feet apart (comfortable sitting trot stride).
- Approach at the sitting trot. The horse should sitting trot through the poles with one stride between each.
- Maintain a steady sitting trot rhythm. Look ahead past the poles, not down at them.
- The horse should pick up its feet deliberately, not lazily drag over the poles.
- Practice from both leads to develop equal coordination.
- This exercise improves the horse's body awareness and the rider's feel for stride length.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Breaking to the jog before or during the poles.
- The horse tripping over poles because it's not paying attention.
- Looking down at the poles, which drops the horse onto the forehand.
- The lope becoming rushed or choppy through the poles.
Variations & Progressions
- Raise alternate poles for more engagement.
- Increase spacing to 7 feet for a longer stride.
- Add a single small jump after the poles for a transition exercise.
Tip: Ground poles at the lope develop the cadence and foot awareness needed for trail patterns and ranch riding classes.
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