Gridwork can be a brilliant way to help a horse develop rhythm, straightness, confidence and better use of their body over a fence. With the distances and questions set clearly, the exercise can encourage the horse to organise their feet and find a comfortable way through the line without the rider trying to manufacture every stride.
The exercises in this section range from a simple introductory grid and compact course through to curved, bounce and more advanced gymnastic grids. They are not intended to be tackled as a progression that every horse must complete. Choose the exercise that suits the horse in front of you and build it gradually.
Keep fences modest, distances appropriate and the rhythm calm. Gridwork can be physically demanding, particularly as the exercises become more gymnastic, so quality matters far more than height or repetition.
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.
THE COMPACT COURSE
The compact course is ideal for practising course jumping in a smaller arena. Use the cross-pole as a quiet warm-up, then begin linking the fences in different combinations. Keep the lines simple to start with and make each round about rhythm, balance and good decisions—not simply fitting in more jumps.
THE SIMPLE GRID
A simple grid is an excellent introduction to gridwork, especially for greener horses or those with limited experience. Keep it low, inviting and uncomplicated so that your horse can learn to stay straight, find their own take-off point and use their body well.
THE CONFIDENCE GIVING GRID
This grid can help a horse that rushes or needs support finding a comfortable take-off spot. Set it so the questions are kind and clear, allowing the poles and fences to guide rather than trap your horse. The aim is a calm rhythm, a good shape and growing confidence.
THE Y-GRID
The Y-grid is a clever way to check that you are directing the line, rather than allowing your horse to anticipate it. It is also useful for practising landing leads in canter. Establish the line before you jump, stay straight through the grid and make your next choice clear only after landing.
THE CURVED GRID
The curved grid is a more advanced gymnastic exercise that tests suppleness, strength and balance. It can be physically demanding, so introduce it gradually and work towards it with greener horses. Keep the curve fair, the fences low enough for good form and the rhythm unhurried.
THE RUSHING GRID
Use this grid to encourage a steadier rhythm to a fence and reduce rushing. You can adapt it with as many or as few poles as you have. The essential thing is that the line gives your horse time to understand the question and encourages them to wait, rather than accelerate.
THE BOUNCE GRID
The bounce grid encourages your horse to supple through their body, use their back and stay quick with their feet. It can be physically demanding, so build fitness and confidence first. Keep the fences small, the distances appropriate and stop while the work still feels easy.
THE GYMNASTIC GRID
This grid is designed for gymnastic jumping: helping your horse lift through their back, use their body and snap their knees. Build it progressively, with suitable distances and modest heights. The quality of the jump matters far more than the size of it.
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.