[Spirithorse]

What is the "rule" of spacing for ground poles for w/t/c? I want to start incorporating gymnastic type exercises into my sessions with my guy...he's 16.2hh if that helps any.

 

[gypsygirl]

for the average horse, 4.5feet for trot poles. about 9-10 feet for canter poles

 

[Spirithorse]

Okay, thanks! Hmm, because my guy is a bit more than average lol I'll have to space them out a tad more I guess.

 

[gypsygirl]

haha always fun =] sometimes i set up a few trot [or canter] poles in different spots around the arena & set one average and one a bit short & one a bit long so they have to adjust themselves as you go around. i sometimes raise a couple of them too

 

[Spirithorse]

Good ideas....with my guy though I hesitate to set up poles that cause him to shorten his stride....but I can play around with it and mess with his brain lol!

 

[luvmyqh]

lol im starting the same stuff!! fun fun...lol

 

[gypsygirl]

why is that ?

 

[Spirithorse]

I can see some benefit in having them be able to shorten their stride some, but I just don't think it's *that* great of an idea.....does that make any sense? lol.

 

[gypsygirl]

not really haha...but to each their own

 

[ShaNeighNeigh]

i agree with 4'5 - 5 ft for trot poles also another good general guideline is when your horse is standing square measure the distance between his front and hind feet. and that usually is a good starting guideline to where the trot poles should be placed.

 

[Spirithorse]

Hmm, I've never heard of measuring between their front and hind feet before. Cool, something to play with!