In the equestrian world, the word “pole” is used in several distinct but related contexts. Whether you are setting up a schooling exercise, preparing a showjumping course, or discussing polo, the term “pole” appears frequently. Understanding what it means in each context — and how poles are used in training — is essential knowledge for any rider or horse owner.
Ground Poles
The most common use of the word “pole” in everyday riding refers to a ground pole — a wooden or plastic cylinder laid flat on the surface of an arena or field. Ground poles are one of the most versatile and underused training tools available to riders of every level.
A single ground pole encourages a horse to look down, step more carefully, and lift its feet. A line of poles — placed at the correct distances for the horse’s stride — develops rhythm, adjustability, cadence, and engagement of the hindquarters. Trotting poles are typically set at around 1.2 to 1.4 metres apart for an average horse, though this varies depending on stride length. Canter poles are set at approximately 3 to 3.5 metres for a single bounce distance.
Poles are equally useful for:
- Improving overtracking and stride length
- Sharpening a horse’s footfall and attention
- Introducing young horses to jumping without pressure
- Rehabilitating horses returning from injury, where low-impact pole work can aid proprioception and controlled movement
- Adding variety to flatwork schooling sessions
Jump Poles
In showjumping and cross-country, poles refer to the horizontal rails set between jump stands (uprights or standards) to form fences. Jump poles are made from wood or lightweight plastic and are designed to be knocked down safely — a horse that hits a pole should dislodge it rather than trip or injure itself.
Poles used in jumping are typically 3 to 4 metres long and around 12–15 cm in diameter. They are often painted in alternating colours to help the horse and rider judge distance and height accurately. A double pole — two rails set one above the other — creates a spread fence when combined with a second pair of stands, forming an oxer or parallel.
The Pole (Nape of the Neck)
In equine anatomy, “poll” (sometimes written as “pole” in older texts) refers to the top of the horse’s head — the bony prominence at the nape of the neck, just behind the ears. This area is important in riding because it is the highest point of a correctly moving horse, and it contains the atlanto-occipital joint — a key area of flexibility.
Tension or restriction at the poll affects the horse’s ability to flex correctly, accept the bit, and move freely through the neck and back. Poll sensitivity is also a common site for injury, and poll evil (an abscess or infection of this area) is a recognised, if now rare, condition.
Polo and Polo Ponies
In polo, a “pole” is sometimes informally used to describe the mallet — though “mallet” is the correct term. More commonly, “the pole” in polo refers to the goal posts that frame each end of the pitch. The sport involves mounted players using a long-handled mallet to drive a ball between the opposition’s goal posts.
Polo ponies — which are actually full-sized horses, typically around 15 to 15.2 hands — must be seasoned and highly athletic. The sport demands extreme agility, speed, and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distance should I set trotting poles for my horse?
A rough starting point for an average 16hh horse is 1.2 to 1.4 metres between poles for trot work. Smaller or shorter-striding horses need the poles closer together; longer-striding horses may need slightly more distance. Walk through or lead your horse over a single pole first to observe its natural step length before setting a line. Adjust based on whether the horse consistently hits the centre of each pole.
Can poles help with a spooky or inattentive horse?
Yes — poles give a horse something to focus on and engage with. Many horses that switch off in flatwork become more attentive when poles are introduced. They encourage the horse to look at the ground, which naturally relaxes the neck, lowers the head, and promotes calmness. They are particularly useful as a simple distraction for horses that tend to become tense in the arena.
Are plastic poles safer than wooden ones?
Plastic poles are lighter and less likely to cause injury if a horse stands on one or catches a leg. However, they can move more easily than wooden poles, which some horses find unsettling. For young or anxious horses, heavy wooden poles that stay in place may actually provide a more predictable experience. Either type is suitable for experienced horses.