Some carefully placed poles can really help with your balance and accuracy. Position 3 poles on a turn, followed by another 3 poles, 8 strides later (as you’ll see in the video). You’ll approach the first set in canter, then aim to trot over the second. Having that second set as a marker, you know you’ll need to ask for a balanced downwards transition to trot between the two sets of poles, where you’re in charge of the pace and the stride, so you can meet that second set balanced, correct and central.

I’m a big fan of working Dressage horses over poles and cavallettis; it’s great fun for them as well as encouraging them to use their bodies, backs and brains in ways in which they’re not used to. They’ll also use different muscles that they wouldn’t normally use when just working on the flat. Having the poles in the arena actually focuses the riders mind as well and breaks up flatwork sessions quite nicely.