Which exercises can help improve a horse's balance?

Ground poles and lateral work are effective exercises for improving a horse's balance because they require the horse to focus on their foot placement and body positioning. Ground poles encourage the horse to engage their core and adjust their limbs carefully as they navigate the poles, which promotes coordination and spatial awareness. This exercise helps develop the horse's ability to maintain a balanced stance while also improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles used for balance.

Lateral work, such as leg yields or shoulder-in, further enhances a horse's balance by challenging them to shift their weight and maintain rhythm while moving side to side. This type of work teaches the horse to carry themselves more evenly and effectively, leading to better overall performance during various riding disciplines.

While the other options may offer benefits in terms of muscle development and stamina, they do not specifically target balance in the way that ground poles and lateral work do. For instance, jumping and galloping can improve a horse's fitness and agility, but they do not necessarily focus on the precise control of balance that lateral exercises and ground poles provide.