This simple ground exercise strengthens the horse's coordination and core stability.
This slow and simple ground exercise asks the horse to place a single pole between the two sides of its body, so that the right and left sides of its body are separated. Horses naturally move with diagonal movement patterns, so moving in this open position is mentally and physically challenging. This exercise is very useful for engaging the core muscles and at the same time, when the horse has to find the position of its feet without stepping on the pole, it also provides a kind of mental stimulation for it. This exercise seems simple on the surface, but it is surprisingly difficult for horses, so be sure to give them time to understand the challenge.
Goals
- Reducing tension in the horse's nervous system
- Coordination of proprioception
Setup
- Setup: One pole on the ground. This exercise can be done in the arena, pasture, or simply at the riding club.
- Required equipment: Training halter, lunge cavesson, or the horse's regular bridle.
How to perform this exercise
Hold the horse at one end of the pole, so that the pole is directly aligned in front of it on the ground. Ask the horse to come forward step by step and very slightly so that the pole is between its legs; that is, the near foreleg and near hind leg are on one side of the pole and the far foreleg and far hind leg are on the other side. At the start, you may only be able to take one or two steps with the front legs for the horse to understand the challenge. This position is somewhat unnatural for it, even if it usually stands with such a distance between its legs; however, this state engages the core muscles and often releases tension from its nervous system. It may step on the pole while understanding the exercise; give it time to find the position of its feet. Give the horse the opportunity to stand with the pole between its legs and relax. This may take several sessions, but gradually you should be able to move the horse along the entire length of the pole. Guide the horse to take small, slow, and cautious steps and never rush it.
Tips and troubleshooting
- Increasing the degree of difficulty: Once the horse is completely proficient in moving forward with the pole between its legs, you can ask it to take one or two steps backward and then come forward again. This really improves its coordination because it has to precisely determine where to place its feet. Always perform this exercise slowly; the basis of this work is based on body awareness, and by feeling and finding the placement of each foot, the horse's core muscles are activated.
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Source: Horse & Hound