Episode 109: Pole Work - Research & Application

The Equine Functional Course is now open for Enrolment - Closes 2nd Nov 2026

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/efp 

Pole Work: What Does the Research Tell Us About Equine Biomechanics?

Pole work is commonly recommended for training and rehabilitation, but how do we know whether it's actually benefiting the horse?

In this episode, Dr Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg explore the research behind pole work and how changes in pole height, spacing and gait influence limb movement, spinal motion and muscle activation.

We discuss:

• What research tells us about ground poles versus raised poles.

• How pole spacing influences spinal extension and limb movement.

• Differences between walking and trotting over poles.

• Why greater muscle activation doesn't necessarily mean better function.

• How to assess your horse's physical and emotional responses to pole exercises.

Discover why effective pole work isn't simply about increasing the challenge, but understanding how your individual horse responds to each exercise.