Woollands Equine Re-habilitation Centre (W.E.R.C.)

 Jo Paul M.C.S.P., A.C.P.A.T Cat A - Chartered Physiotherapist

Sway Back Circle

Exercise Setup

Place two poles end to end. Raise the two furthest ends of each pole approximately 20cm.

Structure of the Exercise

This exercise can be done in-hand or ridden and should be done in walk. This exercise should only be tried when the handler or rider is able to control the abdominals on the inside of the circle. The horse performs a 4-6m circle walking over the poles with the handler standing in the middle of the circle. It is important to keep the horse bending all the way round the circle.

Object of the Exercise

When a horse finds this exercise easy he will meet the poles on the correct stride, maintain bend, straightness on the circle, rhythm and will clear the poles easily.

When he finds it difficult he will fall in through the inside shoulder or ribs. He may rush or try and jump over the poles or knock the poles down.

If the horse is kept straight through his body, bending in the direction of movement, he will have to travel further with each step with the limbs on the outside of the circle the arc of this travel will be higher than that of the inside limbs. The limbs on the outside of the circle will also have to stabilise in the stance part of the step through a greater distance than those on the inside of the circle.

The exercise will also help the horse and handler train engagement of the inside abdominal muscles and side flexors.

Making the Exercise Easier

To make the exercise easier make the circle larger, put the poles on the ground or use only one pole.

The main reason your horse will find this exercise difficult is because he does not have control of the core muscles or is unable to stretch through his spinal muscles. So, if this exercise is difficult, go back and work a little more on the Hoggs Back Circle, the Slalom or Straight Line Poles.

Remember, always set the horse up to achieve!

This exercise is one of a series which can be purchased on our Joined-Up Rehab Basic Exercises DVD.