If you can establish and maintain a good rhythm, you can achieve anything!
It’s a fundamental part of training for any discipline and, luckily, there are loads of ways you can practise it. Have a go at my easy exercises over several sessions and you’ll soon see improvements in your pony’s rhythm.
Rhythm is the first level in the scales of training and is made up of three parts –the regularity of your pony’s paces, the sequence of footfalls and the tempo.
Incorporating polework into your pony’s routine can make flatwork more fun, improve his performance and rhythm, and keep you disciplined. There are tonnes of different exercises you can try, and the benefits are endless!
Pippa Funnell MBE is the author of Pippa’s Pony Tales and a top eventer who has won three Olympic medals!Set up a line of three or four poles anywhere in your arena and, as you warm up, ride over the poles in all three paces –adjusting the distances accordingly to suit your pony (check out bit.ly/ KNOW_THE_DISTANCE for a handy stride guide).
Simple walk, trot and canter poles in a straight line will encourage your pony to maintain an even stride length and speed.
Placing two poles along the centre line around 20m apart and circling over them in canter not only encourages suppleness, it keeps your pony’s rhythm in check, too.
Have a go in walk and trot first to make sure your pony knows what you’re asking, then, as you pick up canter, try riding over each pole as if it isn’t there. You don’t want your pony to leap or trip over the pole, so count out loud to maintain the rhythm but keep your hands soft to allow him to work out where he’s putting his feet.
Make sure you keep your pony’s head and neck straight – imagine his poll, mane and your jacket zip form a straight line. Too much bend can cause your pony to fall in or out of the circle, so if he does start to drift, support him with your outside rein.
You could even up the challenge by aiming for different points on the poles. Try increasing or decreasing your circle size and aiming for the ends of the poles – can you keep a perfect rhythm the whole way round?
If your pony breaks into trot and starts to feel as if he’s running through your aids, make a transition back to walk to get him balanced and listening, and then try again. As you approach the pole, look at the next one but keep your upper body tall and sit lightly in the saddle to allow your pony to move freely underneath you.
Meg
Summer is the perfect time to go hacking – the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the ground is (usually) perfect for a gallop. But whether you have all the time in the world during the holidays or your hack needs to be short and sweet, here’s how to maximise your pony adventure time.
Exploring with your pony is a fab way to boost your relationship and build your trust. When you’re out and about, you’re sure to come across lots of different things – some spookier than others. By encouraging him past unfamiliar objects, such as bins, bikes or dogs, and rewarding him when he’s been brave, he’ll have more confidence that you’ll help him through any difficult or nerve-wracking situations. Plus, you’ll be sooo proud of him for overcoming his fears!
Soaking up the summer sun is one the best things about hacking in the warmer months and spending time with friends makes it a total dream! Hacking with pals gives you the perfect opportunity to discuss the latest goss, plan post-ride sleepovers and chat about all things ponies. You could make your adventures even more awesome by scheduling in an ice-cream stop or picnic – yum!
Be safe, be seen! You and your pony should wear at least one item of high-vis each to make sure you’re visible to others, whether or not your hacking route involves roads.
If your pony gets bored trotting around and around the arena, you could incorporate some simple schooling exercises into your hacking time! You could try leg-yielding along a bridlepath, riding a transition at each fence post you go past, or test your pony’s straightness across an open field.
It’s likely your pony will be more forward going when he’s hacking because he’ll love being out and about, so put his energy to good use and get some dressage practice in! Be sure to mix it up, though, so you don’t just school him on every hack –he’ll enjoy a leisurely ride once in a while, too!
Practising yoga is a great way to increase your focus and put you more in the moment, which means you can develop a better bond with your pony and make the most of your time together.
Why not have a go at these simple yoga poses? They’ll also help to improve your strength, balance, flexibility and co-ordination, which will make the world of difference to your riding skills!
OUR EXPERT
Kathryn Thakrar runs Stable Mind Yoga and helps riders with their wellbeing, flexibility and fitness.
1This pose is very relaxing and stretches your back. Start on all fours, then push your hips back so your seat bones are over your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you and gently rest your forehead on the ground. Close your eyes and follow your breathing –stay in this position for 6–10 breaths.
Doing these exercises when you feel tense or nervous can really help you to relax and reset your thoughts. You could even add them into your routine to help you get ready and focused for the week ahead.
A good test of your balance, start by standing with both feet on the ground and bring your hands together towards your heart. Now take your weight onto one leg and place the sole of your other foot on the inside of your lower leg, letting your knee go wide. Pause for three breaths, then see if you can raise your hands above your head. Stay still for 3–6 breaths and release. Give your body a little shake before repeating but standing on the other leg.
Great for posture and confidence, stand tall with your feet apart and hold your hands by your sides but away from your body slightly. Make sure your palms are facing outwards and reach the crown of your head towards the sky. Check you have the same amount of weight in each foot and allow yourself to stand really tall, full of confidence, for 3–6 breaths.
This move is great for stretching your spine and shoulders. Begin on the floor, making sure your hands are under your shoulders and knees are under your hips. As you breathe in, lift your head, open up your chest and relax your tummy. As you breathe out, slowly move your head down so you’re looking between your legs and bring your belly button towards your back while stretching through your arms. Repeat this move 3–6 times.
