June 2026 Exercises

Written by Maree McAteer

This is one of the 4 maneuverability exercises that builds balance and fluidity while testing geometry.

Two equal circles, one left, one right, the curve of the horse’s spine follows the curve of the circle.

The size of the circles is your choice.

A well-executed quality circle is a succession of many straight lines and little turns. The straight puts the horse upright and balanced over inside and outside legs. The turn takes this balance and redirects it for a moment before the next straight.

The Goldilocks story is how much and how little….to work this out we start from the beginning….a square.

We map out 2 x 10m diameter squares with the two barrels set in the middle 4 m apart.

Starting gently and slowly we ride to a halt facing into each corner. Depart in a 90 degree turn to go straight to the next corner.

It is important that the journey to each halt has a preparation of the balance (uphill), an agreed upon halt and a mutual second or two of release/pause.

The depart is a preparation of gather, then direct, then walk off.

The straight lines between the halts are ideally confirmed straight in the horse’s body and traveling a straight line on the ground. All this confirmed before beginning the journey to the next halt.

The straightness in the line and the mutual completion of the halts are things to be practiced, to get them done mutually and on time. No last-minute straightening or last-minute halting.

Once you can easily do this then you are ready to leave out the halts. Just ride in uphill balance straight on each side, release a little, pick up and turn to the next straight line.

Several gentle conscious sessions of practicing this with the goal of having more quality and more ease will give you and your horse the understanding of how to balance a circle.

If you are sending video for feedback, send one complete obstacle with halts in the corners (walk or trot), and then one complete obstacle with no halts (walk or trot).