This exercise improves timing and feel, upward and downward transitions, while still maintaining soft, clear cues. Barrel in the center, poles are set 20 ft. away, opening between the 2 poles is 8 ft. Enter from one end, do a soft turn and exit between 2 poles. come around the end and enter. soft turn around the barrel and exit between the poles. Goal: Don’t knock down the barrel Speed control soft hands & eyes Ultimate goal: Do exercise with leg cues and body cues while maintaining loose reins

This Drill helps improve the riders pre-signals, feel and timing. Walk thru poles to the end, stop & back up without stepping back over the parallel poles. Move forward again and exit poles. Goal: to achieve at walk, trot & canter without hitting or moving poles. Stopping without being outside of the poles. Backing straight. Poles should have adjusted space in between to accommodate your horses stride and speed. Faster speed means more space in between the stepping over poles.

Start at any barrel. Ride up, circle around it (keep your circle tight but balanced). This teaches your horse to bend and listen to your inside leg and rein. Head to the pole in front of you. Walk or trot straight over it. Keep your eyes up and seat steady—this helps your horse stay straight. Continue the pattern. Step over the next pole, turn the next barrel, and repeat until you’ve traveled around the whole square. Switch directions. Build softness & communication with soft control.

Use a bucket, barrel or even a muck bucket in 4 corners. place a ground pole about 15 ft in from each end. practice circling the round object (works on circle size and shape) then traveling over both ground poles before going to your next round object. the ground poles help build topline and also focus from the horse. goal: achieve round circles at all gaits. achieve movement over the middle of poles without ticking or fumbling over the poles.

Consistency is key. Always give the same cue sequence: seat → voice → rein. Reward the try. The moment your horse stops, soften your hands and let them rest. This drill teaches a reliable stop, improves timing, rider cues, and helps horses learn to listen.