Lunging Over Poles – Benefits & How-To

Lunging over poles is an excellent way to improve and strengthen your horse whilst also adding variety to their training routine. This training method helps improve the horse's balance and technique without the added weight or indeed hinderance of a rider. It contributes to the horse's muscle development and encourages him to work correctly from behind.

There are, in fact, many benefits to including pole work in your lunging sessions, regardless of the age or ability of your horse.

What equipment do I need?

For the Horse

•    Bridle
•    Roller or saddle with stirrups secure
•    Your usual training aid (optional)
•    Front boots
•    Overreach boots (if required)
•    Hind boots (if required)

For the Handler

•    Lunge line
•    Lunge whip
•    Gloves (to prevent rope burn if there is an incident)
•    Helmet is advised for safety

How to do I introduce trotting poles on the lunge?

If you're interested in incorporating trotting poles into your lunging sessions but are unsure where to start, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always make sure to warm up your horse as you would usually, before introducing poles. For greener horses, start by walking over single poles, before progressing to trotting over them. Be sure to work with the poles on both reins. 

What is the correct distance between trotting poles?

Each horse or pony has their own stride length and pattern. The key when setting up trotting poles for lunge work is to consider some main points.

As we mentioned before, if the horse is young or green then be sure to introduce single poles first. You should never set up only two trotting poles as the horse will often confuse this and jump the two together rather than performing the desired task of elevating his stride. Three or more trotting poles should be spaced at approximately 4.5 ft or 1.4 m apart. (I, like many others also use the particularly technical method of “5 fairy steps” which means 5 heel to toe steps!).

The key is, it is best for the poles to be slightly too far apart than too close together, as the horse will usually realize he needs to stretch his stride a bit but if the poles are too close some will try to jump them and end up confused or stressed. Observe your horse as he navigates his way through the poles, and you will soon see if the poles are suiting his stride. Plus, to encourage better engagement and activity moving the poles slightly further apart is an excellent exercise for horses who are confident.

Focus for the sharp ones, motivation for the colder ones. 

Lunging over poles provides the horse with a new challenge to focus on, which can assist in keeping him or her interested and engaged with their work. Horses competing in all disciplines can find the addition of poles to their exercise sessions fun and enjoyable. Horses that are a little bright, sharp or spooky can benefit from pole work to focus on, instead of external distractions. Equally, colder and less motivated horses can find the poles increase their interest and therefore their willingness to put effort in.

Education for the young ones 

For young or inexperienced horses, the use of poles serves as a solid introduction to ridden pole work and indeed jumping. For horses who are confident working over single poles, you can go ahead and introduce a row of poles. Start off with four poles fanned out on a circle with the distance at the center of the poles correct for your horse or pony. As mentioned above, this is usually between 4-5ft / 1.4 meters. If you are unsure of the correct pole placement distance, then always be sure to check with a coach or professional.

Top Tip: Using colored poles as opposed to rustic ones encourages horses to respect them and therefore work through them more effectively. 

Variety and strengthening for the older ones

Trotting poles encourage the horse to focus on the ground, stretching the muscles in the neck and back. This improves stride activity, maintains an even rhythm, and enhances engagement from behind.

• If using a training aid, ensure it allows for stretching.
• To encourage more joint flexion, raise the poles at alternate ends using jump blocks. This makes the exercise more challenging and helps keep the poles from rolling out of place.
• Note: Raised pole work is more strenuous, so avoid overdoing it.

Disclaimer: The training tips shared in this article are for informational purposes only. Every horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always prioritize safety and consult with a qualified trainer before implementing new training techniques.