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Spider web pole layout

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Work your way through the zig-zag layout and progress through to a more complex spider web pattern when you and your horse are ready

Spider web pole layout for horse riding

Stage one: Zigzag layout

All poles help to increase engagement of the hindleg and create more lift in the pace. Using this layout, you will often be crossing the poles at an angle in the trot work. Horses’ vision is different from ours, as they find it hard to make out details at close range. In effect, this means that when crossing angled poles, they find it harder to judge the distances and therefore tend to put in more effort, which results in more lift within the pace.

Set up your poles

You want to position the zigzag so that it runs along the centre or the three-quarter line of the arena, with the points facing the long sides. The gap at the widest part of the zigzag should be one pole’s length.

Zig zag pole layout

Session one: Straight lines over the middle of the poles

Ride your horse straight over the centre of the poles. You can do this in walk, trot or canter. Ride single changes of rein across the diagonals (black), or a continuous line, circling around the poles (blue). 

To level up, add in transitions so you cross the poles in different paces. Focus on keeping the same balance and line before and after the poles.

Zig-zag polework layout for riding - session 1

Session two: Straight lines over the points of the poles

With these exercises, instead of going over the middle of the poles, you will ride over the point where two poles come together. You can ride these lines in walk, trot or canter, but if your horse is unsure of going over the point, start off in walk.

Level 1: ride over a point that’s facing away from you

Level 2: ride over a point that’s facing towards you

The point facing away is more inviting for your horse and it will be easier for you to keep him straight. When riding over the point that’s facing towards you, focus on maintaining straightness between both legs and reins. 

Zigzag polework layout for riding - session 2

Session three: Straight lines along the zigzag

In walk, ride a straight line off the centre of the zigzag. When in trot, make sure your line is straight through the very centre of the zigzag. Crossing the poles at an angle rather than straight will encourage the horse to really bend his joints and produce more lift in the pace. Use the stripes on the poles to help remain straight. Veering off your line will change the distance, making it hard for your horse to find his stride. 

Zigzag polework layout for riding - session 3

Next steps

Build up this pole layout to access different lines and patterns to further improve the exercise.

Spider web pole layout progression

 

The Inspire Dressage Polework Journal is jam-packed with different layouts for you to try, so why not treat yourself to a copy today? Discover a year’s worth of exercises and track your progress with the Inspire Dressage Polework Journal.

 

 

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