Jumping
Beginner
15 min
Raised Trot Poles
Focus: Technique, Engagement, Balance
Equipment: 4 ground poles, 8 cavaletti blocks or risers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 4 trot poles raised 4-6 inches off the ground on cavaletti blocks.
- Space them 4.5 feet apart (standard trot stride distance).
- Approach at the working trot. The raised height encourages the horse to lift its legs higher.
- Maintain a steady rhythm. Allow the horse to use its body by keeping a soft, following contact.
- The horse should round its back and engage its abdominals as it steps over the raised poles.
- Repeat 4-6 times. This is excellent for building topline strength.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poles set too high for the horse's current fitness level, causing it to jump instead of trot.
- The horse rushing through because the raised poles are intimidating.
- Inconsistent spacing causing the horse to scramble over the last pole.
- The rider standing up in the stirrups instead of maintaining a normal posting trot.
Variations & Progressions
- Raise only alternate poles to add variety.
- Increase to 6 raised poles for a longer strengthening exercise.
- Set the poles on a curve for combined bending and strengthening work.
Tip: Raised poles are one of the best tools for building topline muscle and teaching the horse to use its body efficiently over fences.
Shop Equipment at sstack.com
