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CirclesCircles The aids for the circle are the same aids as for the corner. First the rider establishes position right or left, then uses her inside leg, inside seat bone and outside rein. The bend and flexion are maintained thoughout the entire circle, making the circle round. The circle starts when the shoulders of the rider are directly opposite to the letter (if riding in a dressage ring) and finishes with the rider's shoulders opposite to the letter. I tell my riders to envision the circle and then trace it with the horse's feet. The smaller the circle, the more bend required from the horse. If the rider needs to correct the circle it should be done with care so that the circle is not disturbed. If the rider wants the circle a little larger then the inside leg should be applied a little more. If the circle is too big, the rider should lower there inside heel a little more transferring weight to her inside seat bone, at the same time taking the outside rein lightly toward the the pommel of the saddle. The outside rein should never cross the maneline of the horse. Circles are important because they increase engagement of the hindquarters of the horse, as well as improve the horses balance. |
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To make a circle with the hindquarters of the horse swinging to the outside avoiding the bend defeats the purpose of the circle. The rider should make sure that her outside leg is back behind the girth to prevent this from, happening. The riders outside leg is NOT dominant, but it does help the bend around the riders inside leg. |
© First Edition Copyright 1975-1999
by Jim & Sharon Rowe
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