Flatwork / Dressage
Beginner
15 min
Volte at Walk
Focus: Accuracy, Bend, Collection
Equipment: 2 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- A volte is a small circle of 6-8 meters. Place two cones 6 meters apart to define the diameter.
- At the walk, ride a circle using the two cones as opposite points of the diameter.
- Your horse needs significant bend for this small circle. Inside leg at the girth, outside leg behind the girth.
- Keep the walk active and rhythmic. Small circles slow horses down if you don't maintain forward energy.
- Ride 3-4 voltes, then straighten onto the track and walk forward on a long rein to stretch.
- Repeat on the other rein. The volte will feel very different in each direction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making the volte too large because the horse resists the tight bend.
- The horse's haunches swinging out, making a pear shape instead of a circle.
- Losing forward energy so the walk becomes lazy and shuffling.
- Pulling the inside rein to force the bend instead of using the inside leg.
Variations & Progressions
- Try the volte at the sitting trot once your horse maintains bend at the walk.
- Ride a volte at each letter along the long side (H, S, E, V, K) as a series.
- Use the volte as a preparation for lateral movements: volte then shoulder-in down the long side.
Tip: Think of wrapping your horse around your inside leg like bending a flexible stick. The bend must be uniform from poll to tail.
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