Jumping
Intermediate
20 min
Sitting Trot Poles in a Line
Focus: Rhythm, Balance, Stride Control
Equipment: 4 ground poles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 4 ground poles spaced 9 feet apart (one normal sitting trot stride between each).
- Approach at the working sitting trot. Establish a steady rhythm 6-8 strides before the poles.
- Look ahead past the poles. Keep your leg on to maintain impulsion through the poles.
- The horse should sitting trot through with one stride between each pole without chipping in extra strides.
- After the poles, maintain the sitting trot for 6-8 strides before transitioning or turning.
- Repeat from both leads. Note if the horse is more comfortable on one lead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse breaking to trot before or during the poles.
- Chipping in an extra stride between poles because the canter is too short.
- The horse jumping the poles instead of cantering over them.
- The rider throwing their upper body forward at each pole.
Variations & Progressions
- Increase the spacing to 10 feet to encourage a longer stride.
- Decrease to 8 feet to develop collection and adjustability.
- Raise the poles to 6 inches to create low cavaletti work.
Tip: If the horse adds strides, the canter is too slow. If it leaves out strides, the canter is too fast. Adjust the canter, not the pole spacing.
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