Fancy footwork

Here at Team PONY we love polework, not just because it’s the perfect way to jazz up a schooling session, but also because it has endless benefits for us and our ponies! But why’s polework so useful? Let’s find out more about its foundations with the help of an expert.

A big bonus

Recent research shows that polework has a positive impact on ponies’ way of going and also riders’ riding. Here are some of the benefits regular polework sessions can bring to you and your pony…

• improves your relationship with your pony
• encourages you to be more accurate
• improves his co-ordination, balance, suppleness, paces, flexibility and strength
• improves your reaction times
• teaches him to problem-solve
• improves mental ability and physical agility
• highlights weaknesses in your position – then you can work to improve them!
• enhances his responsiveness to your aids

TOP TIP

Ponies put in extra effort when going over poles, which means their paces might get a little bouncier, particularly in trot. Make sure you’re prepared to rise a little higher to match his rhythm and stride.

Tuned in

It’s important to thoroughly warm up your pony before starting work over poles. Check that he’s switched on mentally, super-responsive to your aids and travelling forwards. To help him focus, ride lots of transitions. If he’s not listening to your aids straight away, keep trying until he is.

However, if you feel like your pony is tired, rather than just being lazy, it’s a good idea to save polework for another day. If he’s not in the zone, it’s not your day to do it!

Find out more ways to use polework to jazz up your schooling sessions in October PONY! Get your copy today!