Curvy

In a post about trot poles and model horses, I used this photo to illustrate proper placement of the poles in relation to the horses legs at this specific phase of the trot. For that purpose, it's good graphic.

But remember when I said that poles are tricky? This picture also demonstrates a common performance problem. That is, the curve of the horse's body does not match the curve of the obstacle it's negotiating.

Although you can see this from the side, it is a lot more noticeable from the top.

Here's another model in a similar trot, but this one is moving on a straight line. 

See how much better his body matches the line of poles?

There's no doubt that straight is easier, but you know, some of us like curves.

I like to use a set of poles with a well defined middle section as a visual aid for setting up my curved models.

In this case, you can easily see that the pony is walking over the same part of each pole.

As always, the best way to check this is from the top.

Here's a more problematic set-up. This circle is too small for the horse.

Without heavy rider intervention, he's never going to make it over the middle of that fourth pole.

Fortunately, the solution is easy: Widen those poles! 

Alternatively, you can move him out to the outer, wider edge of the obstacle. Just make sure your documentation reflects the chosen route.

Let me know if this is helpful, and please keep the performance questions coming!