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Create an Awesome Opening Circle
Hunter and equitation trainer and judge Geoff Teall shares his 5-step plan for performing an opening circle that will set up a successful jumping course.
By Geoff Teall
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Geoff's preparation in his opening circle has given Equanimity plenty of energy to ride a beautiful first fence.
© Nathan Welton |
1. Pick up a posting trot through the in-gate and into the middle of the ring.
2. Walk. Take a deep breath, relax and get comfortable.
3. Bear off to the right or left and pick up the canter.
4. Establish your pace. In the early part of the opening circle, put your leg on to exceed the speed that you plan to ride the course. Then relax your leg a little to settle into the pace you want.
5. Approach your first fence. Home in on the distance you want and make any adjustments early and smoothly.
Excerpted from "Create an Awesome Opener" by Geoff Teall in the April 2007 issue of Practical Horseman magazine. To learn how to incorporate breathing into your on-course plan, see "Help Me Catch My Breath" (Here's How) in the March 2008 issue of Practical Horseman.
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Circles
20-Meter Circle
The 20-meter circle is one of the most important training figures in dressage, first seen in the simplest tests possible, and continued on through Grand Prix. It is one of the first ring figures taught to beginner riders and young or green horses. Due to its size, it does not require that the horse or rider have incredible skills to ride moderately well, but circle-work should increase in quality as the horse and rider become more adept. This circle is a great test of the horse's suppleness and the rider's ability to keep the horse on the aids. Incorrect position or application of the aids, such as overuse of the inside rein, will often become apparent on the 20-meter circle.
The 20-meter circle fits very well into both the small (20 x 40 meter) and standard (20 x 60 meter) arenas, allowing the rider to use points on the wall to determine if the circle is the correct size and shape.
The 20-meter circle should be round, not egg or pear-shaped. This means that each side of the arena that touches the circle should only be met at a single point, and should not be ridden along for any period of time. Many novice riders go too deep into the corners of the arena, causing their circle to bulge out. Bulging or falling in both indicate that the horse is not correctly bent on the circle, or that he is leaning against the rider's leg and falling in or out.
The 20-meter circle can be used in all steps of training. Variations may include shoulder-in or haunches-in on the circle, transitions between and within gaits, extension and collection, and eventually something as advanced as flying changes, including tempi changes, on the circle.
10-Meter Circle
These two circles require the horse to be more balanced than the 20-meter circle, especially the 10-meter circle, and is therefore asked for later in training. The small diameter of the 10-meter circle requires extra bend, and if the horse is not correct in his bend, the problem will be very obvious as he struggles to balance, usually falling in on the circle with his shoulders. It will also accentuate any problems the rider may have, such as an uneven seat.
The 15-meter circle is usually asked for in dressage tests at the canter, and the 10-meter at the trot. 10-meter circles at the canter require a very balanced and attentive horse.
The 10-meter circle is a favorite training tool, as it can be used to increase impulsion and bend. It is often used when beginning to train three-track movements such as shoulder-in and haunches-in, as the circle gives the horse the correct bend needed for these movements. After performing a 10-meter circle, the rider keeps the bend and simply asks the horse to continue along the long side of the arena instead of continuing around on a circle.
In conjunction with the use of the 20-meter circle, riders may spiral-in to a 10-meter circle from a 20-meter, being sure to keep the horse correctly bent. This exercise helps with engagement, as the horse must reach under himself as he changes the size of the circle and the path he is on.
Volte and Pessade
The volte is a very small circle, having a diameter of 6 meters by definition, although trainers may vary the size of the volte depending upon the size of the horse. Of all the circles, it requires the most balance from the horse. Voltes are excellent training tools, encouraging engagement and power. However, the horse should not be pressed to perform a smaller circle than is comfortable for him, as it will sacrifice balance and bend, and possibly distress the horse.
The pessade is a half-volte, in which the hindquarters are kept to the inside, therefore making a smaller circle than the forehand. It is often used as a precursor to the pirouette, when executed at the walk and canter. It may also prepare the horse to move into the renvers.
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