Pole dance

Live show trail classes are filled with poles entries, and for good reason.

Poles are the ultimate easy prop. Simply buy a dowel, cut it to size and add a little stain or paint. Anyone can make them.

But showing them properly? That's a whole different story. Make no mistake, for such an "easy" obstacle, poles can be tricky.

photo courtesy of Lauren Mauldin

But not at the walk. 

The walk is one foot between each pole. That's as straightforward as it gets.

The trots is where things starts to get complicated.

This is correct. The poles should be placed between the forelegs and between the hind legs, not between the forelegs and hind legs.

Don't be fooled by funny angles and different phases of the gait. This...

is not this! 

On to the canter!

photo by Jennifer Scott

The correct placement here is the exact opposite of the trot.

I find it helpful to remember that when you're cantering, the pole is essentially a very small jump.

photo by Jennifer Scott

This...

equates to this...

and this!

Poles are hard, but I hope this makes them just a little bit easier.

Thank you to Lauren, Jenn and Olive for their help with the photos. If you have any questions, post them in the comment section!