Flatwork / Dressage
Beginner
15 min
Flex and Counter-Flex on a Circle
Focus: Suppleness, Flexibility, Responsiveness
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up a 20-meter circle. Begin at the walk with normal inside bend.
- After one full circle, ask for counter-flexion: flex the horse to the outside while staying on the circle.
- Maintain counter-flexion for half a circle. This stretches the muscles on the horse's inside.
- Return to normal inside flexion for half a circle.
- Alternate between flexion and counter-flexion every half-circle.
- Progress to the trot once the walk version feels smooth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse falling off the circle when counter-flexed because the outside aids aren't supporting.
- Over-flexing the neck in either direction instead of asking for subtle positioning.
- Losing rhythm during the flexion changes.
- Confusing the horse by changing flexion too abruptly.
Variations & Progressions
- Perform the exercise at the canter for advanced suppleness work.
- Add shoulder-in (inside flex) and renvers (outside flex) on the circle.
- Combine with spiral in-and-out for a multi-dimensional suppleness workout.
Tip: Counter-flexion on a circle is like stretching before exercise. It loosens the muscles your horse uses for bending.
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