How to Run Poles

By Allison Heath

Instructions

Step 1:
Begin at one end of the arena and move along next to the poles. You should start on the right side of the poles and walk parallel with them until you reach the pole furthest from your starting point.
Step 2:
Make a sharp left turn around the end pole and end up facing the remaining poles in the line up.
Step 3:
Begin weaving through all of the poles without knocking any of them over. When you reach the last pole, make a sharp right turn around it.
Step 4:
Weave back through the pole pattern again until you reach the last pole, which was the first one you turned. Turn is again sharply to the left.
Step 5:
Get your horse moving straight back to the end of the arena where you started. Don't stop until after you have crossed the timer.
Step 6:
Do this several times, moving up to a trot and then eventually a lope. It will take a few weeks to get your horse running through the pole pattern successfully.

Tips & Warnings

Don't knock over any poles; each fallen pole adds 5 seconds to your time.

More Puppy Pages

How to Do a Pole Bend

Pole bending has been an equestrian event for several years. It is popular among people who like to compete in timed riding events, where speed is more important then skill. In addition to 4-H and open horse shows, many rodeos have added pole bending to...

How to Train a Dog to Run a Set of Weave Poles

Weave poles are by far one of the most difficult obstacles for a dog and handler to master. They must be performed very precisely, and due to their open nature, they are easily faulted during competition. Weave poles should not be seen as a problem and...

Safety is the utmost concern when riding horses. Whether at a competition or practicing at your home stable, safety is always paramount. When jumping, a horse is supposed to tuck his knees and lower legs high up near his head and neck as he goes over the...

Whether you are looking to practice trail courses with your horse for recreation or in preparation for showing, building a trail course is useful for both you and your horse. Most obstacles are relatively easy to obtain and set up, and the course will...

In equestrian sport, jumps that are spaced closely together and are intended to be ridden in a certain order are called gymnastic grids, or grid work. This can include jumps with one stride in between, two strides or none. Poles on the ground can also be...