Western
Beginner
20 min
Loping Circles with Speed Transitions at the Trot
Focus: Speed Control, Collection, Adjustability
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Trot a large circle at a forward, working pace.
- After 2 revolutions, collect to a slow trot for 2 more revolutions on the same circle.
- The difference should be obvious: forward trot covers more ground; slow trot is shorter and more uphill.
- Open back to the forward trot for 2 revolutions.
- The circle size should stay the same in both speeds — only the stride length changes.
- Practice on both leads for equal development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing the circle size when changing the speed (bigger for fast, smaller for slow).
- The slow lope breaking into a jog because there's not enough impulsion.
- The fast lope becoming a flat run instead of a quality forward lope.
- Not enough contrast between the two speeds.
Variations & Progressions
- Add a third speed: very slow (collected), working, and extended for three-speed practice.
- Change speed every revolution instead of every 2.
- Combine speed changes with lead changes on a figure-eight.
Tip: Speed control is the most important skill in western performance. A horse with only one speed wins nothing.
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