Focusing on the details of riding correctly shaped 20-meter circles is important for two reasons: Firstly, if you don’t ride accurate 20-meter circles in your dressage test, you’re throwing away points. The less accurate the shape of your circle in competition, the more the dressage judge will penalize you. Secondly, riding a correctly shaped 20-meter circle helps your horse achieve the right balance for his level of training (see “The Right Balance,” page 44, for more on balance).
I have an exercise that I use with my less-experienced students and young horses to give them the feeling of riding accurate 20-meter circles. It involves setting markers at four points on a 20-meter circle. I also use two additional markers to delineate the corners. This helps riders feel the difference between circle and corner tracks.
The exercise is also good for more-experienced riders to recheck their skills or their horse’s skills. This is especially helpful at the beginning of the season or if your horse is coming back from some time off.
Set the Exercise
Study the
