How far apart do ground poles need to be for a thoroughbred?

Question

For a 15.3 thoroughbred how far apart do ground poles need to be at the walk, trot, and canter? Is it ok to lunge a horse over a single pole?

Answer 1

If your horse is new to ground poles, you should start with just one and have the horse walk, then trot, then canter over it. Once he is comfortable with this, you can add a second pole. And, yes, it is ok to longe a horse over a single or a few poles.

For two or more poles, distances are as follows:

Walk........18" to 24".

Trot...........3' to 3'6".

Canter.........6' to 7'.

These distances are for the average sized horse. If you have a horse with a short stride or a pony, the distances will have to be shorter. If you have a large horse with a big stride, the distances will have to be longer. A good way to check if your distance is correct is to observe where the horse places his feet. He should be stepping in the center between each of the poles. If his steps get closer to the front pole as he goes through the exercise, they are too far apart. If his steps get closer to the back pole, they are too close. Adjust your distances accordingly. Good luck!!

Answer 2

It depends on the size of your horses stride. Ground poles for walking and trotting are usually about the same distance apart-I think about 35-45cm apart-not too sure. For the 16hh thoroughbred I ride who has a medium stride we usually space cantering poles about 3m apart but once again it depends on the size of the stride. A single pole for lunging will be ok as long as it is in a safe position so that the horse won't step on it.

Answer 3

Excellent answers already so I am going to recommend a book...
Schooling With Ground Poles by Claire Lilley is great.

Answer 4

when cantering i think 3m walk trot 40cm something like that yes it ok to lunge over a single pole

Answer 5

hj,kjhjygh lol i dont know

Answer 6

dunno