Polework does not have to happen in straight lines. Curves, circles and serpentines are a brilliant way to work on suppleness, balance, rhythm and your horse’s ability to change bend smoothly while staying attentive to your aids.
The exercises in this section range from simple circles and shallow loops to more involved serpentines and patterns. Some can be ridden in several different ways, which means you can begin with a straightforward version and gradually make the exercise more challenging as your horse becomes stronger, more balanced and more accurate.
Pay particular attention to the quality of the bend and the moments between changes of direction. A smooth, balanced change is more important than making the shape smaller or more complicated.
Setting up your poles?
Pole and gridwork distances should always be adjusted to suit the horse and the exercise. See our Pole & Gridwork Distance Guide for suggested starting measurements and advice on adjusting them for your horse.
FAN
The fan is a curved version of parallel poles. Arrange the poles like the spokes of a fan, following the edge of a circle. Ride over the same part of each pole to keep the rhythm even. Travelling nearer the inside encourages a shorter, more collected stride; travelling toward the outside allows a longer stride. It is a wonderful exercise for accuracy, bend and adjustability.
THE STAR: CLOVERLEAF & VOLTE
The Star is one layout with two lovely ways to ride it: the Cloverleaf and the Volte. Four poles form the star shape, creating a useful pattern for rhythm, accuracy and suppleness.
For the Cloverleaf, ride small, even circles around each pole end, changing the bend smoothly as you move from one loop to the next. You can begin with larger loops and gradually make them smaller, stepping over the centre when the rhythm feels settled. Striped poles are especially helpful if you want to give yourself a precise point to aim for.
For the Volte, more established horses can make a small circle inside the star, provided there is sufficient room between the pole ends. A volte is usually around 6 m (19 ft 6 in) in diameter. You can also add a second star to create a figure-of-eight, practising balance and changes of bend. Use walk, trot or canter according to your horse’s education.
THE 20M CIRCLE
This is a deceptively good test of rhythm and balance. Use the poles to outline or punctuate a 20 m circle, then focus on keeping the same tempo all the way around. It quickly shows whether the circle is truly round and whether your horse can stay balanced without speeding up, falling in or drifting out.
THE SIMPLE SERPENTINE
A simple serpentine is a lovely way to improve suppleness, rhythm and accuracy. Ride a soft S-shape over the poles, making sure each turn is balanced and each straight section is truly straight. Let the poles help you prepare the change of bend, keeping your horse attentive to your aids without overcomplicating the exercise.
THE ADVANCED SERPENTINE
This more detailed serpentine gives you plenty to think about, using poles to guide your centre lines, turns and changes of rein. It is brilliant for testing accuracy, balance and control, while encouraging your horse to stay supple and focused throughout the pattern. Use as many or as few poles as you have, begin slowly, and build the exercise up as both you and your horse grow more confident.
THE JUMPING SERPENTINE
The Jumping Serpentine is a simple, effective way to practise rhythm, balance and control between fences. Ride a flowing S-shaped route, focusing on a balanced turn before each jump and a straight, quiet approach. Keep the canter even throughout, allowing the turns to improve suppleness without losing the quality of the line.
SHALLOW LOOPS
Shallow loops are a lovely way to improve balance, accuracy and smooth changes of bend. Set the poles roughly 6–8 m (19 ft 6 in–26 ft) apart to mark the outer edge of each loop. As you reach a pole, prepare the new bend, rebalance the pace and ride quietly into the next curve. The poles give the movement a clear shape, helping you stay precise while encouraging your horse to remain supple and attentive.
THE INTERLOCKING S-BEND
The interlocking S-bend is brilliant for suppleness, straightness and responsiveness. Ride each curve with an even, supportive contact, then make the moments between the bends genuinely straight. It soon highlights whether your horse is listening to the leg and rein aids or simply anticipating the next turn.
THE TRANSITION CIRCLES
Transition circles make the ordinary transition feel purposeful and fun. Use the poles as visual markers, prepare before you arrive, then ride a clear upward or downward transition without losing the shape of the circle. Suitable for every level, this is a lovely way to make your aids sharper and your horse more attentive.
THE CENTRE LINE CIRCLES
This simple layout is more challenging than it looks. The centre line asks for straightness and commitment; the circles ask for balance and rhythm. Move between them without allowing the horse to rush into the line or fall through the shoulder on the circle.
Want to keep these exercises handy?
Download the complete NEIGHKED Pole Exercises Guide with all five exercise sections, layout diagrams and pole & gridwork distance guidance — ideal for saving to your phone or taking to the yard.