Training Tuesday – This week we focus on accuracy. This exercise focuses the mind of both the horse and rider and really tests the relationship. Your job as the rider is to establish the turn and really understand the line the horse needs to be on. If the horse listens to the riders aids it’s instantly much easier.

When you first try this exercise, make sure your horse is working well with the poles on the ground before you increase pace or introduce an upright.

Try the exercise in walk, gradually working towards the trot and canter, establishing consistency in the rhythm in all 3 paces. I’ve done this exercise with 4 strides between each fence but you can easily do 5 or 6 strides, just ensure you’ve got the same amount of strides between each pole.