Polework is one of the most adaptable, effective tools we have as riders and coaches, and it’s become a key part of the education of virtually every horse and rider combination I work with. From horses at the very start of their ridden journey to those competing at an advanced level, polework is an effective way to improve everything from balance and rhythm to strength and confidence.
Over 25 years coaching combinations across all levels, I’ve seen first-hand how much value polework can add as a general training method, as well as preparation for jumping. It builds a horse’s body awareness, develops the rider’s feel and adds interest and progression to everyday schooling sessions. In this blog, I will explore some of the reasons I turn to polework time and time again and why it’s worth including in your own training, whatever your goals might be!
1. Building a strong, responsive horse
Polework asks a horse to think about how it uses its body, from where to place its feet in a simple line of poles to more complex grids and layouts. It encourages careful foot placement, activates the core and can help develop topline strength and straightness. By lifting through the shoulder and engaging the hindquarters, the horse begins to move more correctly, and that in turn can support soundness and performance.
Polework is also a brilliant tool for improving rhythm and stride regulation. When poles are laid out with precision (and that can take a bit of practice and skill!), you’ll see that horses start to find a natural tempo, balance and evenness of stride. I find that this makes polework especially helpful for horses who tend to rush, fall behind the leg or lose focus during flatwork.
Another key benefit is that polework is relatively low impact. It builds strength and suppleness without the concussive strain of jumping. That makes it suitable for young horses who are still growing, older horses that you’re still working or those coming back from an injury.
2. Boosting mental engagement and confidence
As I’ve covered above, polework is useful for a horse’s physical development. But I’d argue it’s just as important for their mental development. Poles introduce a new kind of challenge, asking the horse to focus, problem-solve and process information as they move. This helps build a thinking, attentive partner and can boost communication between horse and rider.
Polework can also develop confidence in green horses and those less willing to be bold over a fence. By approaching pole layouts calmly and with support, they learn to trust their rider and build positive associations with schooling sessions. I’ve worked with plenty of horses who lacked confidence around jumps but flourished after polework sessions.
Poles are also a great way to add variety to a flatwork session. We’ve all seen well-schooled horses switch off if their training becomes too repetitive, especially in the winter when hacking is often limited. A few well-placed poles can re-engage their brain, lighten the session and help riders achieve more without drilling.
3. Polework helps you, too!
Polework won’t just benefit your horse, it also strengthens and educates you too. Riding over poles requires accuracy, planning and gives you a feel for rhythm. I use poles to teach riders to set up lines, judge distances and adapt to what the horse is giving them underneath.
Perhaps most importantly, it gives the rider instant feedback. If a horse rushes, stumbles or loses rhythm through a pole exercise, the rider can feel it. I find this is so useful in helping people develop awareness and timing and encourages them make subtle adjustments (often proactively) rather than simply reacting to mistakes.
And, just like polework can boost a horse’s confidence, it’s also useful for building rider confidence. There’s less pressure than a jumping session, gets people really riding and thinking but without them getting the ‘jumping scaries’!
4. It’s accessible and adaptable
One of the best things about polework is how easy it is to incorporate into any training programme. You don’t need a large arena or expensive equipment, just a school (or a flat field with decent ground) a few poles and a plan. It suits horses of all ages and abilities, and it can be scaled up or down depending on what you’re working towards.
You can use poles to work on straightness, transitions, lateral work or canter rhythm! It’s incredibly versatile and gives you a huge amount of scope to be creative with your training.
If you haven’t used poles in a while, or you’ve only ever thought of them as a stepping-stone to jumping, I’d encourage you to explore them a little more. They can bring huge benefits to both horse and rider and are one of the simplest ways to improve the quality of your work under saddle. If you're looking for inspiration, there are plenty of polework ideas in my book, 100 Exercises for Showjumping, which you can find on Amazon here.