Supertrooper
Well-Known Member
I don't know if anyone can help but I could do with some tips to help improve them so they're actually more like circles!! Thanks xx
Please help to improve my circles
- Thread starter Supertrooper
- Start date
Bert&Maud
Well-Known Member
Imagine you are riding a square. So, for example, if you are riding a 20m circle at A, make two of the points of your square at A & X, the other two a quarter of the way down the arena (so not quite at K & F but so that the square is a regular shape). Ride positively from "corner to corner". Make sure you are using your outside aids to turn the horse.
NicoleS_007
Well-Known Member
Mine always trys to fall in on the left rein and falls out on the right lol ... but iv found that if i go sitting trot his circle is more of a circle and rarely falls out when done like this. Also i find a figure of 8 helps alot but make the change in direction on a straight line not a diagonal
abina
Well-Known Member
Circles are actually a difficult movement to get spot on, Lots of practice needed. As Tass said above imagine you are riding a diamond shape and then gradually round off the points. To get a correct circle, first your horse has to be straight ! Moving straight with the hind legs working on the same tracks as the fore legs. it's a long battle to get your horse to turn when they are 1/4's in or shoulders falling out. Your outside leg should be behind the girth (in most cases- unless your horse needs extra support on the shoulder) to encourage the haunches to bend. Your inside leg which will have to work hard creates the bend around the leg and your outside rein controls the amount of bend your inside hand has. The outside rein also supports the shoulder. At times a up lifting movement is required to get the horse to move the shoulders over to meet the quarters. The contact on the outside rein has to be firm and not allowed to get loose or floppy.
Always move the shoulders to meet the haunches, create the bend through your inside leg.
It would be worth investing in a few lessons with a good quality trainer to help explain and show you what you want to acheive and iron out any poistion issues that you may have that will hinder your horse. Always worth the money!! Good luck and above all have fun ! lol x
Always move the shoulders to meet the haunches, create the bend through your inside leg.
It would be worth investing in a few lessons with a good quality trainer to help explain and show you what you want to acheive and iron out any poistion issues that you may have that will hinder your horse. Always worth the money!! Good luck and above all have fun ! lol x