Groundwork
Intermediate
30 min
Long-Lining Circles at the Canter
Focus: Steering, Bend, Collection
Equipment: Long lines, Surcingle or saddle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- From the cantering straight line, ask the horse to turn onto a large circle (20 meters).
- The inside line creates the bend, the outside line supports and controls the speed.
- Canter the circle with the horse. You will be following behind on a smaller inner circle.
- Maintain the horse on the circle for 2-3 revolutions, then straighten and go the other way.
- The challenge is keeping the lines from tangling while managing bend and forward motion.
- Practice until the horse bends smoothly on the circle with light, even contact on both lines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The outside line going slack and losing contact, allowing the horse to fall out.
- The handler getting too close to the horse's hindquarters on the turn.
- Lines crossing over the horse's back or getting under the tail.
- The horse overbending the neck because the inside line has too much pressure.
Variations & Progressions
- Reduce circle size to 15 meters for more collection demand.
- Add trot on the circle for a more challenging exercise.
- Practice figure-eights with smooth direction changes through the center.
Tip: Keep the lines at hip height on the horse. If they drop below the hocks, you risk tangling.
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