Canter circles

TEXT: FARRYN DAY

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This is a wonderful exercise that can be adapted to suit most horses. It helps to develop rhythm and balance and a disciplined approach to working in a confined space. Normally ridden in a canter, the exercise can be performed at a trot for very young horses that have not yet established their canter or those who are unfit or physically unable to perform the circles correctly at a canter.

PRINCIPLES OF THE EXERCISE

• Aim to maintain the rhythm throughout the circles, and only move on to a smaller circle once you and your horse are ready and able to do so. Remember that the smaller the circle, the more collection is required to keep balanced.

• Developing a well-balanced collected canter through these exercises will help build the hindquarter, allowing the horse to become lighter on the forehand.

• Seamless lengthening and shortening, as practised as the precursor to this exercise, is vital not only for showjumpers but for dressage horses, polo ponies and even games horses. This exercise should, over time, improve your horse’s ability to lengthen and shorten as required. In short, it will make him more adjustable.

• Generally, a novice horse should be able to work around three to four poles, the intermediate horse around two to three poles, and the more advanced horse circles around one or two poles.

TO RIDE THE EXERCISE

• To set up, place six poles 3 metres apart down the centre line of the arena.

• After finishing your trot warm-up, canter around all six poles maintaining rhythm and balance. For young or less experienced horses, continue the exercise at the trot, rather than attempting canter.

• Include some lengthening and shortening of the canter around the six poles to help your horse to be adjustable on the smaller circles. Note: Lengthening and shortening refer to the length of the stride, not the speed.

• Then to start the exercise, circle around the middle four poles. Establish an active canter, maintaining the correct rhythm, bend and balance. Once your horse is comfortable circling around four poles, attempt the circle around fewer poles.

• As you move around smaller circles, remember to maintain the rhythm and impulsion while asking for collection. Initially, one small circle may be sufficient before moving back onto the larger circle.

• This is quite a strenuous exercise, so be careful not to overdo it – three or four repetitions on each rein should be sufficient.

CHECKPOINTS

• Don’t try to force the horse to work in a circle that they are uncomfortable on or unable to perform correctly. Instead master the larger circles first before moving on to the tighter and more collected circles.

• Rhythm and impulsion are key! Be aware of your seat and legs, and don’t be tempted to use too much inside rein to ask your horse to bend.

• Balance is more important than speed, and it is important to remember that lengthening and shortening have nothing to do with going faster or slower, respectively. Lengthening and shortening refer only to stride length, not speed.

• This exercise will highlight on which rein the horse is stronger and on which he is weaker. Don’t be tempted to overwork the weaker rein – with time your horse will become stronger.

• When riding the exercise at a canter, be aware of the following: is the horse falling into the circle? Stiff on one side versus the other? Does the horse bend incorrectly or dis-unite at the canter? You can also use this exercise to check yourself – are you stiffer on one rein versus the other? Stronger on one rein versus the other?

• If your horse finds circles on one rein consistently difficult with no improvement over time, you should consider if there is perhaps another reason other than general stiffness. It could be that your horse is suffering from back pain or dental issues or that his saddle does not fit him correctly. As always, check with the relevant professionals if you have concerns.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As with any new exercise, it is important for the horse to work correctly and in a relaxed and calm way. Technique and accuracy are more important than riding the smallest circle possible. Build your horse up over time, and always end each session on a good note. Finally, don’t forget to cool down sufficiently and have fun!