The Magazine February 2021
More from this issue
Poles to problem-solve
Posted 9th December 2020
In our new series, dressage rider Tania Grantham’s creative layouts will help you get the most out of polework. The best part? You only need six to get started
Riding a simple line of poles definitely has its place in training – and the rewards can be reaped whether you’re a regular over fences or between the boards. However, a line has its limitations and so adopting a little creativity in your schooling can really boost a pole’s impact. Experimenting with weird and wonderful layouts can be a great way to breathe some fresh air into stale schooling routines or draw a young or inexperienced horse’s focus away from distractions outside of the arena. And, generally, the wackier the shape you set out, the more versatile your horse’s workout.
Whether you have six poles or 26, if you want to work on straightness and accuracy, improve your horse’s strength and paces, teach him something new or just inject a bit of fun and focus back into you flatwork sessions, using your poles to make schooling shapes could be the answer. This month, we start with a simple allrounder – the bow tie.
The bowtie
Made up of just six poles, the bowtie layout is perfect for riders with minimal equipment and space. However, it’s also a great formation with many possibilities for anyone at any level.
Set up Make two equilateral triangles with their points touching – the end result will look like a bow tie.
How to use it There are no hard and fast rules for using this layout, but to get you started…
Exercise 1
The key to a perfect centre line is accuracy, so first ride a diagonal line through a triangle. Aim for the middle stripe on one side and ride out through the opposite point. Then, reverse the exercise so you’re riding over the point first. It can take horses a few attempts to get used to travelling through the points, so this simplified exercise will give you both the chance to get used to the layout.
Exercise 2
Ride over the base of the top triangle, through the intersection of points and out of the base of the bottom triangle.
Top tip
Focus on keeping an even feeling in both reins applying your aids equally maintaining his rhythm – if he backs off, encourage him with your leg and if he rushes, take a half-halt
For more exercises using this versatile pole layout, get your copy of February Horse&Rider, out now
