Flatwork / Dressage
Intermediate
30 min
Figure-Eight with Simple Changes at the Collected Trot
Focus: Accuracy, Transitions, Balance
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up a figure-eight using two 20-meter circles meeting at X.
- Begin at the collected trot on the right lead on the right circle.
- As you approach X, transition to collected collected trot for 3-5 steps.
- Pick up the left lead and ride the left circle at the collected trot.
- After one full circle, return to X, collected collected trot for 3-5 steps, and pick up the right lead again.
- Repeat 4-6 times. The collected collected trot steps should be clean and forward, not shuffling.
- This is the fundamental simple change exercise used in Second Level dressage tests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trotting instead of walking between lead changes.
- Too many walk steps, losing the connection between canters.
- Picking up the wrong lead after the walk transition.
- The figure-eight becoming lopsided with one circle larger than the other.
Variations & Progressions
- Reduce walk steps to 2-3 for a more advanced version.
- Progress toward flying changes by eventually eliminating the walk steps entirely.
- Use 15-meter circles instead of 20 for increased collection demand.
Tip: Think of the walk steps as a brief rest stop, not a destination. The canter energy should stay alive through the walk.
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