Strategic pole placing help needed

[Daffy Dilly]

Lack of canter issues sorted, we can now canter on command. However, Daffy has realised that whee! we can canter! and is enjoying tearing around like a looney. I have two issues with that a) the arena is only 20x40, and b) although a welsh cob he seems to have forgotten that part of being a welshie is being surefooted. Those two combined, we had a few "oh sh*t" moments earlier - either totally over done stumbles, or last second 90degree turns at the fence.

Because I don't think we're ready for the collection side just yet, I've decided we'll use ground poles to get a bit of focus in this canter, following a fab Yogi Briesgner (sp) clinic I watched yesterday.

So, any suggestions on how particularly to place those, otherwise we'll just be working on controlled 90deg turns and attempting to get fewer/more strides in a random related distance.

[suneanarab]

i'd say not to to start with as they could cause more problems than you have already. i would be more tempted to sort it out on the lunge first. does he canter to command on the lunge and go steadily? i'm assuming he does if you are riding him. you may find it benificial to do more transitions rather than keep the canter going. even if you only do a couple of strides and talk him down to the trot. it's hard if he's not listening, but keeping him on the short sides and stopping before the next long side would help his to start listening to you.

[Twané]

Hi there
I need help with distances between trotting poles. I have a big Saddler, but he's short on the front. He gets excited and give small step in front. I have been using trotting poles (1 metre) for 7 days now only at a walk on the lounge. He sometimes does 2 steps in between. Should I change the poles or will he eventually learn?? Never done any trotting poles in my life before.

[suneanarab]

poles should be set to a distance that suits the horse to start with. there should be no set fast rule on this. it's no good say one distance and sticking with it if your horse can't cope. so if he needs them a little closer together to start with so be it. at walk his stride will be shorter than at trot and longer still in canter.

what you can do is to set alternate ends of the poles on blocks so they are slightly lifted off the floor. make sure the horse is walking forwards with a good swing in the stride before putting him to the poles. the slight lift should encourage him to lift himself more but you must keep the stride active from behind to encourage the stride in front. this in turn should lengthen the stride and balance him out infront.

suzanne