Tip of the Day: always use planks as ‘trotting poles’ or tramlines, not poles

I have heard a few horror stories over the years of horses standing on a pole which rolled (of course) causing injury. In one case it was the end of a good jumping mare’s career.

So now I always use planks or plastic rectangular ‘poles’ instead, which, if the horse stands on them, will not roll. It’s a rare occurrence, but as this picture shows, it does happen – this was sand from a hoof put squarely on the plank. Not a mistake my horse made again during that session, she didn’t appreciate the feel of it under her foot at all, but no damage done, which is the most important thing.