Drill Riding 2

Individual 10m circles

Click to see the animation (60k in size)

This movement is for a double ride, the leading files will be nearing the end of the long side, and the last rider will only just be on the long side when the command to 'Circle' is given.

When performing these movements keep in line with your partner on the opposite side of the school. Bearing in mind that you will be passing, left hand to left hand at A/C marker, and that the inside ride will not have so far to travel, so adjust your pace to meet (not crash into!) you partner again on the centre line. If the school is long enough you will be able to scribe a true circle, however it may turn out to be an odd shaped loop!


Variations

Once you've mastered the basic circle you can add in some variations.

Here a half circle is used to leave the centre line and break the ride into two rides.

And the opposite can be used to turn back to the centre line and pair up with your partner.

Click to see the animation (44k in size)

Circles can also be performed as a ride with much closer spacing so that your circles all overlap. Good timing and speed control necessary for this one.

Wheels always look impressive. Ride onto the centre line, the front half of the ride turns right and the other half turns left, facing in opposite directions. Walk/trot around until you have completed a half or full circle. This one looks simple but is quite tricky - the inner horses are turning on the spot around each other and as you go outwards each horse will have to move slightly faster to keep the line straight.

Don't forget, any movements can be adapted and ridden as pairs, even if there are only two of you. If you look at the changes of rein page most of those will adapt easily.

Putting it together

Click to see the animation (286k in size)

Here's a complete drill ride using some of the elements we've discussed above. It's quite a big animated gif file so it will take a few minutes to load but it is worth it!

Once you've had a go it's easy to put together new drill rides with different moves; try adding in some canter, serpentines, other changes of rein. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks to Jan who produced the article and the animations.

Next - tri-cycling.