Setting out poles sounds simple until you start wondering exactly how far apart they should be. Whether you’re setting up walk poles, trot poles, canter poles or a jumping grid, the right distance depends on much more than a standard measurement.
Your horse or pony’s height, natural stride, balance, experience and the purpose of the exercise all make a difference. Understanding those differences — and knowing what to look for as your horse travels through the poles — is far more useful than relying on one standard measurement.
Below you’ll find suggested distances for common polework and gridwork exercises, along with guidance on how to recognise when you may need to shorten or lengthen them.
Pole and gridwork distances are always a starting point, not a fixed rule. Every horse and pony has a different natural stride length depending on their height, conformation, balance, experience, pace and level of collection. The same horse may also need different distances depending on the exercise you are riding.
Use the measurements below as a guide for setting up your exercise, then watch how your horse travels through it. Poles should encourage a natural, comfortable rhythm — the horse should not have to noticeably shorten, stretch or rush to make the distance unless altering the stride is specifically the purpose of the exercise.
Ground Pole Distances
| EXERCISE | PONY | HORSE |
| Walk poles | 0.7–0.9 m | 0.8–1.0 m |
| Trot poles | 1.0–1.25 m | 1.2–1.5 m |
| Canter poles | 2.4–2.8 m | 2.7–3.2 m |
For smaller ponies, particularly those under approximately 13hh, you may need to shorten these distances further.
Jumping & Gridwork
| EXERCISE | PONY | HORSE |
| Trot pole to small fence | 2.0–2.4 m | 2.2–2.7 m |
| Bounce | 2.7–3.2 m | 3.0–3.7 m |
| One stride | 6.0–6.7 m | 6.7–7.5 m |
| Two strides | 9.0–10.0 m | 10.0–11.0 m |
Distances in grids can vary considerably depending on the height and type of fences, whether you are approaching in trot or canter, and what you are trying to achieve. A small gymnastic grid designed to encourage a horse to use its body may be set differently from a competition-style combination.
Adjusting the Distance for Your Horse
Don't be afraid to move the poles. That's part of using them correctly.
If your horse is consistently having to reach, flatten or accelerate, the distance may be too long. If they are crowding the poles, taking very short steps or getting too close to the fences, it may be too short.
Start conservatively, ride through at a comfortable rhythm, and adjust in small increments until the exercise suits the horse in front of you.
Remember: the aim isn't to make your horse fit the distance you've measured — it's to set the distance so the exercise works correctly for your horse.
For jumping and gridwork, particularly with inexperienced horses or riders, have an experienced coach help you set and adjust the exercise. Never assume a standard measurement will be suitable for every horse.
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.