Begin at the collected canter on a 20-meter circle. The canter should be very collected with active hind legs.
Over 2-3 revolutions, decrease the circle size: 20 to 15 to 10 meters.
On the 10-meter circle, the horse should be nearly performing a canter pirouette — the inside hind leg steps in a very small circle.
Maintain the canter rhythm. The hind legs must keep the three-beat pattern.
Hold the smallest circle for 2-3 strides, then spiral back out to 20 meters.
The entire exercise should feel like a coiled spring: the smaller the circle, the more engaged the haunches.
Walk and stretch. Pirouette work is extremely demanding on the horse's hind legs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The canter becoming four-beat as the circle shrinks (loss of collection).
The horse falling onto the inside shoulder instead of sitting on the inside hind.
Losing the canter entirely and breaking to trot on the small circle.
The rider leaning inward, throwing the horse off balance.
Variations & Progressions
Practice walk pirouettes first to establish the concept of turning on the haunches.
Work the canter spiral only down to 12-15 meters until the horse builds strength.
Add a flying change after spiraling out for a combination exercise.
Tip: Pirouette work is like strength training. Start with what your horse can do well and gradually ask for more. Never force a smaller circle than the horse can maintain quality.
