Moving Circle

Moving Circle After you take a look at the diagram of the moving circle you will have a better understanding of the lateral movements. In all lateral movements the horse's body is shaped like part of circle; that is, the bend is even from poll to tail.

For Shoulder-In the forehand is off the track. The front legs cross. The inside hind leg tracks in the outside front hoof print. The purpose of Shoulder-In is to engage the hindquarters of the horse. The bend is away from the direction of travel.

For Haunches-In (Travers) the hindquarters of the horse are to the inside of the track with hind legs crossing, and the forehand on the track. The bend is in the direction of travel.