Ace it! Centre lines

At the start and end of every dressage test, you’ll be required to ride down the centre line. But what exactly is a centre line, why are they important and how do you execute the perfect one?

What?

The centre line is the invisible line in your arena that goes from A to C. Centre lines are used to test your accuracy and straightness in dressage, and they’re also one way you can change the rein when schooling. 

Why?

If you can ride the perfect centre line, it means your pony is well balanced, evenly muscled and listens carefully to your aids. It also shows that you can ride a fab straight line! 

Straightness is important in all disciplines, so it’s good to be able to ride a clean centre line to fine-tune your pony’s overall performance. 

Top tip

Ask a friend or parent to video you from C – this is where the judge will be sitting in your test and will give you a good idea of how straight you are!

Top tip

Remember to practise your halt, immobility and salute, too. Check where you have to perform it in your test (likely either X or G or in between) and have a go at perfecting it as well to boost your scores! 

How?

The first stage of riding a good centre line is perfecting your turn onto it. This requires plenty of planning – think about the timing of your turn so you don’t over or undershoot it, and then plan ahead to give your pony the correct aids. To ask him to turn, flex your inside rein to tell him where to look, close your outside rein towards his wither to support his shoulder, keep your inside leg on the girth and move your outside leg slightly back and squeeze. 

Once you’ve made your turn onto the centre line, keep your eyes up and looking at the centre marker, then channel your pony straight by keeping your upper body facing forwards, an even rein contact and both legs pressing against his sides. 

As you approach the end of the arena, think about your next turn back onto the track and ride it in the same way as you did your first turn. 

Top tip

If you’re struggling to keep your pony straight, lay out poles down the centre line to help you. 

Aced it!

If you can focus on giving your pony clear and accurate aids and get in plenty of centre-line practice, there’s no doubt your dressage scores will be sky high!