Ground poles are a common tool in many riders' training arsenals. They can be helpful in introducing horses to jumping and fine-tuning their stride. They're essential for horses being prepared for trail or horsemanship classes. They can be used to help an uncoordinated horse develop strength and steadier gaits. New research suggests they can also be a valuable tool for horses returning to work after injury or lameness.
Research conducted at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and accepted for publication in the Equine Veterinary Journal offers some evidence supporting the use of ground poles as an aid for recovery. The researchers state that trotting over ground poles has historically been used to restore a full range of motion in horses, but no prior research offered quantitative evidence for the benefits of this practice
