Ground Poles with Lateral Movement

 Goal(s) :

- Integrate poles into flatwork (making it more relaxed for the horse)
- Supple the horse
- Maintain control of the horse's entire body

 Process :

The principle is simple and adaptable: the black path is done at the trot, the green at the canter, the red with haunches-in, and the blue with shoulders-in. For less experienced riders, haunches-in and shoulders-in can be performed at the walk, or replaced with simple circles at the trot.

The objective is to start at the canter, perform two small circles in each corner to encourage the horse to engage its hindquarters, then transition to the trot to maintain control. After crossing the first ground pole, perform a circle with either haunches-in or shoulders-in, depending on which rein you are on. Next, cross the second pole, return to the canter, perform the two circles again, transition to the trot, and do a circle with the other lateral exercise (haunches-in or shoulders-in). Alternating the circles allows the horse to work on both exercises on both sides. Then repeat the process.

 Difficulties :

Control, engagement of the hindquarters on the circle