Flatwork / Dressage
Beginner
10 min
Yielding the Inside Rein on a Circle at the Walk
Focus: Balance, Self-Carriage, Suppleness
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Establish a balanced working walk on a 20-meter circle with correct bend.
- When the circle feels steady and balanced, briefly give away the inside rein by pushing your hand forward 4-6 inches.
- The horse should maintain the circle, the bend, and the tempo without the inside rein for 3-5 strides.
- Take back the inside rein and re-establish your normal contact.
- If the horse falls in or loses bend when you release the inside rein, the horse is leaning on that rein rather than carrying itself.
- Repeat the give-and-take 4-5 times per direction. The horse should improve with each attempt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving the rein too suddenly, startling the horse and causing a wobble.
- The horse immediately falling to the inside, proving it was leaning on the inside rein.
- Not giving enough rein — a tiny 1-inch give doesn't test anything.
- Only testing on the horse's easy side and avoiding the difficult side.
Variations & Progressions
- Try yielding both reins briefly for a true self-carriage test.
- Perform the test at the canter for increased difficulty.
- Give the inside rein on a 15-meter circle where balance is harder.
Tip: This test tells you the truth: if your horse can't hold the circle without the inside rein, it's not truly balanced and through.
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