Set up a 20-meter circle. Establish a balanced working trot.
On the open half of the circle (away from the wall), ask the horse to lengthen its stride.
The lengthening should last for about half the circle (from one quarter-point to the opposite one).
Collect back to working trot for the wall-side half of the circle.
Alternate lengthening and collecting every half-circle for 3-4 complete revolutions.
The challenge is maintaining the circle shape while changing the stride length.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The circle growing larger during the lengthening because the horse drifts outward.
Losing the rhythm — the trot should stay rhythmic even as the stride changes.
The horse falling onto the forehand during the lengthening portion.
Not collecting enough on the short side of the circle, so the lengthening contrast is lost.
Variations & Progressions
Try the exercise on a 15-meter circle for increased difficulty.
Alternate between trot lengthening and canter transitions on the circle.
Add lengthening on both halves of the circle but with collection for 2-3 strides at each quarter point.
Tip: Lengthening on a circle is harder than on a straight line because the horse must maintain bend while extending. It's excellent for developing true throughness.
