Flatwork / Dressage
Intermediate
15 min
Trot-Halt-Trot on the Center Line
Focus: Transitions, Precision, Balance
Equipment: Letter markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter the center line at A at the working trot.
- Halt at D (the first quarter-line marker area). Stand for 2-3 seconds.
- Proceed at the trot to X. Halt again. Stand for 2-3 seconds.
- Proceed at the trot to G. Halt a final time. Stand for 2-3 seconds.
- Proceed at the trot to C. Turn onto the track.
- Each halt must be square and on the center line. Each trot departure must be prompt and balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Drifting off the center line between halts.
- The halts not being square because the horse anticipates moving again.
- Over-preparing the halt so the horse stops early.
- The trot departures being sluggish from repeated halts.
Variations & Progressions
- Add rein-back between each halt for a more advanced version.
- Perform at the canter with halt transitions.
- Use the exercise as a warm-up for test preparation.
Tip: Multiple halts on the center line test your horse's patience and your precision. Each halt should feel like a deliberate choice, not an accident.
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