Pole work is one of the most versatile tools in equine training. A few poles on the ground can do what a much more complex programme rarely manages: improve balance, strengthen the back and core, and teach the horse to lift and place its feet with intention. In this guide we’ll walk through why pole work works, what the research says, and how to build a safe progression that strengthens your horse without overloading it.

Why pole work is more than just a warm-up

At a glance, walking over poles looks simple. But each time the horse steps over a pole, several things happen at once: the horse has to lift its legs higher than normal stride height, engage the core to stabilise the back during that extra flexion, and focus mentally on foot placement. Over a full session, that adds up to real conditioning work for muscles that are otherwise hard to reach.

Pole work is particularly useful because it’s low-impact. You’re not asking the horse to go faster or carry more weight, you’re asking it to move more precisely. That makes it a good tool for young horses building coordination, experienced horses needing variety, and horses returning from rehabilitation (with veterinary approval).

What the research says about pole work

A growing body of biomechanics research confirms what many trainers have long observed.

A 2022 study at the Royal Veterinary College worked with 41 horses walking over no poles, ground poles (10 cm), and raised poles (26 cm). Using motion capture and inertial sensors, the researchers found that walking over poles significantly increased limb range of motion — and that raised poles produced greater swing flexion than ground poles.¹

Earlier work from Michigan State University measured the kinematics of horses trotting over poles. The conclusion: the increases in swing-phase joint flexion suggest that trotting over poles is an effective way to activate and strengthen the flexor musculature.²

And a 2021 University of Tennessee study looked specifically at muscle activity. Using surface electromyography (sEMG), researchers found that walking over ground poles increased activation in the longissimus dorsi (the long back muscle), and that trotting over poles increased activation in the rectus abdominis (the abdominal muscle). Adding elastic training bands amplified the rectus abdominis effect.³

In other words: pole work doesn’t just “move” the horse. It recruits the specific muscle groups responsible for a healthy, stable back.

How to set up a pole exercise session

Here’s a three-step progression we recommend. Start at the level below where you think your horse can comfortably work, and only progress when the current level is easy and relaxed.

1. Walking over ground poles

Lay 5–8 poles flat on the ground, parallel, at roughly 0.8–0.9 metres apart for most riding horses (adjust for your horse’s stride). Walk the horse in-hand or under saddle in a relaxed walk. The goals are:

• Accurate foot placement (no ticking poles)
• An even, unhurried tempo
• Consistent head and neck position

Work through the poles 4–6 times, in both directions if possible. This is the foundation — don’t rush to trot until the horse is genuinely comfortable here.

2. Trotting over ground poles

Widen the spacing to roughly 1.3–1.4 metres. Move up to a rising trot on a straight line through the poles. Look for:

• Rhythm: the trot should not break or quicken
• Swing: the horse’s back should feel more supple, not more braced

If the horse rushes or drops the back, return to walk and address the tension before adding more load.

3. Raised poles (cavaletti)

Once ground-pole work is established, you can introduce low raised poles — typically 10–20 cm at first. The research on raised poles shows a larger increase in limb flexion compared to ground poles.¹ That’s useful, but it’s also more demanding. Keep sessions short and watch carefully for signs of fatigue.

How pole work pairs with a core-training system

Pole work on its own is excellent. But the sEMG research shows something worth noting: combining ground poles with a well-designed elastic band system produces stronger activation in the rectus abdominis muscle than either tool does alone.³

That’s the thinking behind pairing your pole-work sessions with a system like CORE by D. The bands provide a gentle proprioceptive cue that reminds the horse to engage the core — exactly during the moments when the poles are asking it to lift and stabilise. The two tools amplify each other.

Importantly, the bands don’t force the horse into a position. They offer a suggestion, and the horse responds to it on its own. That’s why this approach works on horses that don’t tolerate more coercive training aids.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too many poles too soon. Start with fewer poles than you think you need. Five well-placed poles walked beautifully is more valuable than eight poles rushed through.
• Wrong spacing. Poles too close cause the horse to shorten its stride; poles too far apart cause it to lunge. Measure, observe, and adjust for your specific horse.
• Always the same pattern. Vary the lines, the direction, and occasionally the spacing. Monotony defeats the purpose of this exercise.
• Working too long. 15–20 minutes of focused pole work is plenty. Muscular fatigue sets in faster than you’d expect, and tired muscles learn the wrong patterns.
• Skipping the warm-up. At least 10 minutes of walk and a few minutes of trot in a big, soft working frame before you introduce any poles.

How often?

For most horses, one to two pole-work sessions per week is a sustainable rhythm. On non-pole days, you can still ride, lunge, or hack — pole work is an addition to your programme, not a replacement.

If your horse is returning from injury or has a history of back pain, consult your veterinarian or equine physiotherapist before adding pole work. It’s a powerful rehabilitation tool in the right circumstances, but the dosage and progression need to match the individual horse.

Ready to build a complete core-training routine?

CORE by D is an elastic training-band system designed to work alongside groundwork, pole exercises, and ridden work. Developed in collaboration with veterinarians and trainers, it helps your horse activate the right muscle groups in the moments that matter — simple to use, gentle in its action, and built to support long-term soundness.

👉 Discover the CORE by D Complete Set

References

1. Walker VA, Tranquille CA, MacKechnie-Guire R, et al. Effect of Ground and Raised Poles on Kinematics of the Walk. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2022;115:104005.

2. Brown S, Stubbs NC, Kaiser LJ, Lavagnino M, Clayton HM. Swing phase kinematics of horses trotting over poles. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2015;47(1):107–112. doi:10.1111/evj.12253

3. Shaw K, Ursini T, Levine D, Richards J, Adair S. The Effect of Ground Poles and Elastic Resistance Bands on Longissimus Dorsi and Rectus Abdominus Muscle Activity During Equine Walk and Trot. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2021;107:103772. doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103772