The secret to perfect circles

Circles are a great way to make your pony more supple and even on both sides of his body. Not only that, if you compete in dressage, you’ll need to learn to ride them accurately in order to gain higher marks.

So just how do the top riders make their circles look sooo amazing? And how can you do the same? From riding circles the correct shape and size to learning where in the arena you’ll need to ride them, we uncover the secrets! Read on to discover how you, too, can ride circles just like a pro!

Shape up!

Everyone knows circles are round, right? It’s one thing understanding they’re supposed to be round, yet riding them in the correct shape isn’t always as easy as it looks.

To help you ride rounder circles, think of the circle as having four points – north, south, east and west. Then imagine that those four points are all connected by straight lines.

Ride straight lines from one point to the other and, as you reach each point, ask your pony to bend slightly to the inside, before heading to the next point! Once you can do this, simply turn the straight lines into curved ones and, hey presto, you’ll start riding perfectly shaped circles every time!

TOP TIP

Place cones or other markers at the four points of your circle so you have pointers to aim for.

TOP TIP

Ask someone to stand in the centre of your circle, then ride around them aiming to stay the same distance away from them at all times.

For more of our top tips on how to ride perfect circles, pick up a copy of February PONY – on sale now!