Capatoki Video Series

Lesson 11 two canter poles in a line

Lesson 11 on Capatoki, 2 poles in a line. With her flatwork processing, it is a time to consolidate while she gets stronger. Now I introduce a few jumps for her. Here I have set 2 poles at 20 paces (18.2m or 60'), which would be 4 strides in a competition course. Most horses will find 5 strides over poles more comfortable.

I start with a comfortable ride of 5 strides to start. I then lengthen the stride to do 4 strides. Notice that the stride is opened up well before I present her to the first pole. I then ask for 5 strides.

I am a big fan of adding a stride after lengthening, it teaches hot horses to come back to after going forward and it makes impulsion easier to maintain on a cold horse.

I don't do too many rides over the poles on Capatoki due to her greeness. A fitter and stronger horse can do many more. On my Grand Prix horse I ask much the same, but ask for more accuracy over poles while maintaining more quality in canter.

This series will include many exercises used in Strides Exercises, for more information visit Strides Exercises

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