First dressage test

[Three Mares]

I have my first test coming up beginners test 5 walk and trot. I am not quite sure how to do half 20m circle left (c-x), half 20m circle right between x - a. Would I need to touch the track at c, h, f and a or actually ride the track crossing half way. Sorry but I am a real novice in dressage!

Thanks for any advice. xx

[Gruntfuttock]

its like riding a S-shape up the school. You leave the track at C for the first half-circle on the left rein, so you should be touching the wall between H and E, just as you would if you were riding a normal 20-metre circle.

At X (the point on the circle "opposite" C, in the very middle of the school), straighten up for a step or two and ride towards B, then right bend, and ride on the right rein another half-circle. Again, you touch the wall between B and F, while making your circle, and then you rejoin the track at A.

Does that make sense? You might find it easier to draw a plan of the school on a bit of paper, with the letter markers, and see exactly how it rides. If you look at your school plan with C at the top, that movement looks exactly like a big S-shape right across the school.

[Three Mares]

Thanks so much for your reply it made complete sense. I also have to do a 15m circle at B twice on both reins within the test but not sure how far that takes me into the middle of the arena and what markers I go down to? Sorry to sound completely useless but I do not do much schooling work as you can see. I am really enjoying learning the test, just hope I am not on first and can get to see a couple of people in before me!!

Thanks again for any tips xx:)