Western
Intermediate
25 min
Neck Reining Figure-Eight at the Collected Trot
Focus: Steering, Lead Changes, Accuracy
Equipment: 2 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 2 cones 30 feet apart. You'll ride a figure-eight around them at the collected trot.
- Collected Trot around the first cone on the correct lead (left lead for circling left).
- At the midpoint between cones, perform a simple change to the new lead.
- Collected Trot around the second cone on the new lead.
- The figure-eight should be two equal circles. The simple change should be smooth and quick.
- Practice until the neck rein alone handles the direction changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Circles being different sizes — they should be mirror images.
- Picking up the wrong lead after the simple change.
- The simple change being too long (too many walk or jog strides).
- Using direct rein instead of neck rein for the figure-eight turns.
Variations & Progressions
- Progress to flying lead changes at the center of the figure-eight.
- Vary the circle size: 20 feet vs. 40 feet for adjustability practice.
- Add speed changes: slow lope on one circle, faster lope on the other.
Tip: The figure-eight is the foundation of reining patterns. Master it with perfect circles and clean changes before adding speed.
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