setting jumping poles

[NeedsAdvil]

I wanted to try this exercise from this blog: https://deloiseinamerica.com/2016/02/19/showhuntersmatter/

I know Deloise is a respected trainer, and the exercise looks helpful for both horse and rider. But she states to put a trot pole 6’ in front of the crossrail. Most of the gymnastics I usually do call for a pole at 8’. I tried it as described today and while my horse jumped through it bravely, it did feel a little off. Can anyone tell me if there’s a reason to place the pole 6’ out or if the reason it felt off is because there’s a better place for the pole?

[paw]

It’s a trot jump - there’s no real “distance” the way there would be if you were cantering. From the link you posted, the pole is for the rider (“heels down, sink”), not the horse.

I doubt there’s any particular magic in the 6’ (vs 8’), though I’d think the shorter distance would normally make the horse push a llittle more off the hind end at the fence. But, again, trot crossrail, so unless you’ve made it so on purpose, it’s likely not that much of an effort for the horse.

[yourcolorfuladdictio]

You put a pole 6’ out to get a horse to pat the ground in front of the jump and curl over it, especially with a horse that would rather stand off the fence and get flat.

[NeedsAdvil]

Thanks! That’s what it felt like was happening. But this horse is already a round and cute jumper who is good with his knees and back, so it’s probably overkill for him. I don’t want his form to change, I just want to help him continue to develop pace/stride so I think I’ll move the pole out or in a bit.

[NeedsAdvil]

@paw;8927126

It’s a trot jump - there’s no real “distance” the way there would be if you were cantering.

I’ve never been taught that trot poles don’t have to be placed a certain distance from the jump. If that were true, we could just put a trot pole anywhere. The pole still serves to create a distance to the jump, not terribly different from how a pole does the same thing at the canter. Of course it’s easier to fix a bad distance at the trot over a crossrail, but why bother if you can set your horse up for success from the start.

I totally understand that in the particular exercise it seems to be a reminder for the rider, but I can’t figure out you wouldn’t just place it at a “normal” trot distance from the base of the jump? I’d love some clarification on your thoughts on trot poles and distances. I have seen and ridden many exercises and they all seem to assume an 8-9’ distance for two trot steps before a jump.

[yourcolorfuladdictio]

8-9’ is a fairly forgiving placement. It allows for a greater margin of error in the horse and rider but still encourages a correct jump.

[IPEsq]

It depends on what pace you want to have to the jump, whether you have one who rushes or needs to learn to compact himself through a combination, etc. 8-9’ is more standard, but I have used 6’ as well, depending on the situation. Generally, 6’ encourages a slow, collected step. Depending on the horse, 9’ may be a bit forward/reachy.