Olympic event rider Vittoria Panizzon has shared a favorite polework exercise to enhance horse suppleness and canter quality. The simple fan-shaped setup benefits horses at all levels in eventing training. She explains how to adjust the exercise for varying difficulties.
Three-time Olympian Vittoria Panizzon, an accomplished event rider, outlines a straightforward polework exercise aimed at improving suppleness, rhythm, rideability, and canter in horses. This technique is particularly useful for eventing preparation across different levels of competition.
To set up the exercise, riders arrange seven poles in a fan shape. Each pole should be positioned 3 meters apart when measured along a straight line through the center of the formation. For beginners or less experienced horses, the poles remain flat on the ground. As the horse progresses, riders can elevate certain poles to create small fences, such as converting two poles into an upright obstacle, followed by a single pole upright, and then another pair of poles.
Panizzon emphasizes that this exercise encourages better bend and responsiveness in the horse, making it a versatile tool for training sessions. It helps build a more adjustable canter, which is essential for navigating the varied terrain in eventing disciplines like dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
The demonstration appears in an exclusive article for Horse & Hound subscribers, highlighting Panizzon's expertise from her Olympic experiences. While the exercise is adaptable, she notes its core focus on foundational suppleness without specifying exact session durations or horse breeds.
This approach underscores the importance of ground-based training in equestrian sports, allowing riders to refine skills progressively.