Distance between trotting poles

[Sooty]

I set up some trotting poles in the school today. Zara is quite a big girl (16.2, still growing!) and I spaced them at about 4 feet. However, I could NOT get her to trot over them - itwas canter EVERY time :rolleyes:

Does this indicate that they were too far apart? If so, does this also mean she has a short trot stride - I'm fairly sure the 4ft distance is right :confused:

[Ipsa]

4 feet is definitely not too far apart. I have them a bit further apart for our horses- it varies on the length of stride.
How many poles are you using?
It is possible that she doesn't understand what is required so she canters through them instead. Try starting with one pole and when she is trotting over that happily add another pole and so on.
Good luck :)

[Sooty]

Thanks Ipsa - I used 3 poles. Definitely take it down to 1 and work my way up! I have also heard that they can sometime try to jump an even number - is this true? If so, I'll pass on trying 2 :D

[Ipsa]

I haven't hear that about the two poles but if you are worried about it when you are ready to add the second pole you could always put it in at the distance for the third pole and then add the third pole later in between.
Hope that makes sense. :)
I know a really cool pole exercise that might be interesting for you as well.
You put 4 poles around a circle so they are evenly spaced. If you don't want to do a circle with poles you can just trot around the outside of them otherwise there are heaps of variations you can do. You can aim for the middle of each pole or trot a larger circle by going to the outer part of the poles or you can do a small circle over the inner part of the poles.
You can trot over one miss the next one etc.
I use the exercise to practice transitions too by working around the outside of the poles. I might trot as I go past one pole, trot past the next two and then walk at the third, halt at the next, trot on etc. It helps with accurate transitions.

[Loopslou]

Flash always trots over the first couple and then tries to jump the last couple when I put them out!

I just take her right back to trotting over one and build up but as posted about, i make the second pole where the third pole should be, it does seem to help.

[kedwards]

Definitely don't shorten them. 4' is plenty short already for trot poles for a full-size horse.

I've never heard any problems with an even number of poles, in general, but I do agree that 2 poles can encourage a jump in a horse that hasn't yet learned to trot over poles properly. Once a horse is going over 1 pole calmly and evenly in the trot, I always move on to three. If she tries to canter, bring her right back to trot and send her over again calmly, while being very strong and certain in your posting throughout, and giving give/take feels of the reins in rhythm with the trot.

[IrisSilverMoon]

two poles are a jump, always go from one pole to three. At least that's what I've always been taught for jumping and spacing trot poles. We don't even set up two pole trot poles for experienced horses, one just sort of introduces them and then three gives them more of a rhythm for getting through it.

[Est]

Ipsa I really like the sound of your pole exercise :) I will definitely give that a go (if my YO ever provides us with any poles that is :rolleyes: )

[Sooty]

Thanks all! Yes, sounds like it's the 2 pole configuration that encourages a jump rather than an even number per se.

Love the pole on a circle idea as well - will be trying that once we've practiced with just one pole.

And I can see how strongly posting will help to encourage a trot, so will make sure I do that.

My girl is such an angel - she always does her very best for me so I know for sure she's not being naughty. Once she understands what to do I'm sure she'll be fine.

btw Est - could you try clubbing together with the rest of the liveries to buy some poles between you? That way it wouldn't cost too much

[Cheeky]

Hey ..

I know the feeling!! I am trying to re-educate my 14.1hh galloway ... but no matter how many poles there are, she will jst canter the whole lot! Wheather it be 5 poles, or just one!!

She is a little crazy at times, but has come along great. What is the distance for her? And for a 15.2hh? I am hoping to get a 15.3hh :) But mum said I could ... then today she said "I have thought against it. U cant get one" ... aww I have been riding for over 10 yrs now, and I cant have a horse to suit my height. . . oh well ... how far for a 14.1hh? In feet and meters pls :) ta