All about demi voltes

Riding circles and turns is a great way to improve your pony’s way of going, so what are you waiting for?! Let’s take a closer look at demi voltes and what they involve. And don’t worry – they might have a fancy French name, but with our tips you and your pony will be aceing them in no time!

About turn

In simple terms, a demi volte is a half circle that can be used to change the rein or ride from one movement to another.

If you’re wondering where this marvellous move got it’s name from, well – demi volte translates as a half turn.

As well as riding demi voltes, you can do complete circles (known as voltes), too. That’s pretty cool!

Did you know?

In dressage, circles and half circles of 6m, 8m and 10m in size are known as voltes, but anything bigger is called a circle.

Get set, go!

Fancy having a try? Follow our step-by-step plan…

1. Ride around the arena in walk or trot. As you approach the corner marker just before a short side, start to prepare for a half circle.
2. Ride a smooth curved line from the marker to the centre line.
3. When you reach the centre line and are level with the marker you started from, head in a straight line straight back towards the corner marker at the other end of the long side you came from. This will take you onto the other rein, so change your pony’s bend (and your diagonal, if you’re in trot).
4. Repeat the exercise on the other rein, riding it a few times each way.
5. Make the half-circle smaller to test your pony’s skills – remember you’ll need to support his outside shoulder on the turn!

Find out even more about demi voltes and how they can benefit you and your pony in January PONY – grab your copy today!