Day 6: In-Hand Exercise: Small Circle Left

This exercise from the Classical School improves control of the shoulders and mobilization of the hind limbs.This is intense work so practice for only a few minutes.

Photo Courtesy of Jenny Rolfe


  • Position yourself so you are standing to the left of your horse, facing his shoulder. Hold him with your left hand and carry your whip in your right hand.
  • His head should be in the vertical position, not tilted, with a slight neck flexion towards you.
  • Use breathing, body language and your whip to encourage your horse to walk in a small, counter-clockwise circle around you. His front legs will inscribe a smaller circle while his hind limbs are on a larger circle. As he steps, he should move his inside limbs laterally, crossing in front of his outside limbs.
  • As your horse circles around you, move a step or two backwards to ensure he has sufficient space to step forward and then across.

For Jenny’s books and DVDs, visit spanishdressagehorses.com.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

CATEGORIES

TAGS

RELATED POSTS

meditation
Training Buzz: Riding Without Stirrups With Axel Steiner
meditation
Training Buzz: Riding a Distracted Horse with Monique Potts
Josephine Hinneman_caval_vertical_copy
Masterclass with Ingrid Klimke
DTMP-180900-CLINIC-02
Evaluating Progress at Second Level

TRENDING ARTICLES

ParalympicsKateShoemakerHiRes_1
USDF to be USEF-Recognized Affiliate Association for Para Dressage
FEI_Post_2
FEI Announces Meeting to Address Challenges in Dressage
extended trot
Trot Lengthenings: The What, The Why and The How
margaret freeman first level r and p
First Level Frustrations