Flexibility, collection, and responsiveness of the horse with a sequence of 10-meter circles

This simple flatwork exercise is one of the favorite exercises of Sophie Cheeseman, the artistic assistant of Horse & Hound, to start a training session to make the horse more supple, respond to leg aids, and as she says, "get your own legs working too." This suppling exercise is a very suitable option for the beginning of the session to warm up both you and your horse while practicing riding on precise circles. This exercise includes consecutive 10-meter circles from the centerline with changes of direction on left and right reins. This pattern works on the suppleness, collection, and connection of the horse with the rider.

Goals
- Suppleness
- Collection
- Connection
- Preparation

This exercise does not require any special setup. You can perform it in an arena or an open space, although it is better to define the arena boundaries to have more discipline in the size of the circles. The diagram below shows this exercise in a 20 by 60-meter arena. If you are riding in a 20 by 40-meter arena, just perform one less circle.

How to Perform the Exercise
- Establish an active walk with contact on the bit and move on the left rein on the large track.
- Enter the centerline and almost immediately make a 10-meter circle to the right.
- After returning to the track, take a few straight steps at the walk and then perform a 10-meter circle to the left.
- Again on the centerline, establish straightness, then circle on the right rein and continue in this manner.
- Continue these alternating circles until you reach the end of the arena.
- In a 60-meter arena, your goal should be to perform 5 10-meter circles; adjust it according to the length of space you have.
- You can also repeat this exercise in trot.

Tips and Troubleshooting
1. Leave Space Between Circles
When you are just starting this exercise, you might want to leave more space between the circles to avoid rushing your horse. Make sure to maintain the correct bend in both directions. It is also helpful to practice a few straight steps between the circles, in addition to tight turns.

2. Progress Gradually
Before moving on to this sequence, the horse should be balanced and stabilized on single 10-meter circles, as this exercise requires a lot of suppleness and several quick changes of direction.

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Source: Horse & Hound

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