Circles

[maria9657]

When someone talks about a circle (in riding) such as cantering a 10 metre circle or what not. What does the 10m refer to? I am so confused.

[Bay Mare]

The diameter of the circle. If the school is 20 metres wide then the circle would be half the size of that (knowing how wide the school is makes it MUCH easier to judge the size of the circle that you're riding :) ).

[maria9657]

Thanks so much, I understand

[soulburyrider]

ERRRR! CIRCLE ????

Could someone please explain the concept of a circle to me ?!!

Mine start off fine then either spiral inwards or become squarcles !

[Talou]

I have issues with circles too! Ugh!

They always turn out to be oval shaped or diamond shaped!

[shirley]

The way I have been taught to ride a circle is to ride a diamond shape to begin with. That is start at i.e. C marker in the school, look towards say K (on left bend) and aim for the side of the school just beyond that, then when nearly there turn your weight / sight towards the imaginary X in the middle of the school and aim at that and then when nearly there, aim for just before M and then when there aim back towards C. This should give you a 20 m circle. We did this in walk and then gradually we bent the horse and got my legs in right place and hands holding etc and once we had got this we are now progressing into trot.
Certainly fixing your eyes on the next marker keeps you focused as to where you want to go and legs keep horse in position and hands as well. Practise does make perfect, but my perfect is a long long way off yet, but certainly much better than before.
Good Luck!!! Hope this helps.

[maria9657]

soulburyrider and Talou, I know exactly what you mean.

One day while I was having a lesson the yard owner was watching for a little while then after came up to talk to me and commented on my "lumpy egg" shaped circles.

[Talou]

Thanks shirley! I'll try that in my next lesson and tell you how it goes.:)

At least i know i'm not the only one with this problem...lol

[nicci1234]

I too have a circle problem thanks for the comments on school width that wasnt explained to me but that helps my circle on the right rein are ok on the left what circle!!! we do sqaures oblongs any where he wants to go you get the idea!!!
good look with yours

[ponylover88]

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