3 Tips To Riding A Perfect Circle

Abby Dickinson
The All England Jumping Course will host its first Premier League dressage competition in May 2021. Image (c) JulianPortch.com

Tips For Riding A Perfect Circle

Riding a perfect circle sounds fairly simple. However, it is a manoeuvre where a lot of riders loose crucial points in their dressage tests. Riding a perfect circle is the foundations of equitation. Present in dressage tests all the way up the levels and a vital move in showjumping, cracking the perfect circle could put you in favour for a podium position. So to help, we’ve put together some pointers to get you on your way to circle perfection!

 

3 Tips To Riding A Perfect 20m Circle

Bend

One of the most common errors riders make when riding a 20m circle, is overbending their horse. A 20m circle is a large circle, so a large amount of inside bend means that your horse’s body is not following the perimeter of the circle.

However, you are on a circle which means you should never not be turning. Putting your horse in inside flexion should be enough. Remember, flexion is not a severe neck bend, it is simply the subtle turning of the head to be able to see the horse’s inside eye, ear and nostril. Putting your horse in this amount of inside flexion should help to keep your horse’s body aligned with a 20m circle perimeter.

Accuracy

To secure the maximum points possible, accuracy is key when riding a 20m circle!

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Try using the dressage markers to your advantage, breaking the circle into manageable sections. Make sure you are riding a curved line to each marker and hitting X if your circle is situated at A or C.

For a real test of accuracy, begin your circle at B or E, so you have no boards to help you out! This can also help to give you a real picture of where you might be going wrong.

Also remember, during your test that judges are looking for three qualities of rhythm; ‘quality of pace, regularity, and tempo’. Rhythm is the beat of your horses footfall and indicates balance within the pace. Make sure to keep it slow, as riders have the tendency to speed everything up when under pressure. Count the strides or play one of your favourite songs, which fit to the beat of your horse’s usual tempo, in your head to maintain consistency in the regularity and tempo (speed) of the pace. Ensuring your horse is responsive to your aids should help you when trying to keep the rhythm of your horse gait .

Position

When riding a circle, it is not only important that your horse is positioned correctly but that you are too!

When you’re riding a circle make sure to always be looking for your next dressage maker, as this will give you something to focus on. Looking for your next marker will also help you maintain a slight inside tilt to your upper body, following the movement and bend of your horse. Remember, during a dressage test that position counts within your collective marks!

If you’re nervous, as we all can be when entering the competition ring, make sure to constantly check your position for any signs of tension which often come with nerves.

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