How To Ride Perfect Circles

Let’s delve deeper into the concept of how to ride perfect circles by adopting the octagon method, a technique that significantly enhances both the horse’s and rider’s ability to maintain form and direction in circles. This method is particularly beneficial for training younger horses, refining the skills of older horses, and is crucial in competitive scenarios like reining.

The Challenge with Traditional Circle Riding

Traditionally, when riding circles, the primary challenge lies in maintaining the horse’s form and direction. Younger horses often struggle to maintain form, often falling into the center of the circle. This behavior is typically caused by maintaining the direction aids that the horse interprets as “turn more”. Older horses, while more experienced, might start to lose their form by falling in on their circles, simply being a shorter path to get to where they know they are eventually going. 

The Octagon Method: A Detailed Approach

The octagon method involves envisioning and riding an octagon instead of a perfect circle. This approach breaks the circle into eight straight segments connected by eight turns. Here’s how to implement it:

• Setting Up Your Octagon: Identify eight points around your riding area. These points will serve as the corners of your octagon. The points should be evenly spaced to mimic the circumference of a circle.
• Riding the Octagon: Start by riding towards the first point in a straight line. As you reach that point, execute a slight turn to align yourself with the next point. Continue this pattern, riding 8 straights with 8 small turns. Your turns should be very subtle, almost unnoticeable to the onlooker.
• Focus on Transitions: The key is in the transitions from the straight line to the turn. These transitions help in teaching the horse to maintain its shoulder position and not to fall in. The straights are a place where you engage forward movement.
• Rider’s Role: As a rider, your focus should be beyond the immediate path. Look towards the point you are riding to, not just the space directly in front of you. This helps in planning your turns and maintaining a steady pace. Also helps in not looking too far ahead which also encourages your horse to fall in, in the circles.

Application in Different Gaits

• Loping: In loping, this method prevents the common issue of spiraling inwards. It helps maintain a consistent speed and form, crucial for reining patterns.
• Trotting: While trotting, the octagon method ensures the horse’s body stays straight and aligned, aiding in better control and smoother turns.
• Walking: Even at a walk, this technique is beneficial. It trains the horse to smoothly transition from curved paths to straight ones and vice versa.

Advantages in Training and Competitions

• Training Younger Horses: Young horses learn to maintain direction and form. Young horses learn to support their inside shoulder when turning. Great for the rider because this establishes a methodology to riding circles keeping the rider constantly engaging and riding during the whole circle. This helps with the horse’s discipline in following the rider’s direction in the circle. 
• Refining Older Horses’ Skills: Helps in correcting the tendency of shortcutting circles. Also reinforces the importance of straight-line movement in between turns.
• Competitive Edge in Reining: I ride this way even when showing in reining. This method ensures better control during my circles. Riding this pattern makes not just finding my center easier but also riding straight through the center. All of this leads to better scores, as the horse demonstrates better form and the ability to maintain consistent circles. Circles are the easiest place to lose points while also being the hardest place to gain points. This method makes gaining points in your circles easier.
• Preparing for Lead Changes and Stops: The octagon method positions the horse better for lead changes and speed transitions. It aids in achieving a square stop in the center, an essential element in reining that affects the overall score.

Ride Perfect Circles Conclusion

The octagon method is more than just a training technique; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach circle riding. By breaking down the circle into straight lines and turns, we provide clear, manageable tasks for the horse, reducing the complexity of maintaining a perfect circle. This method not only enhances the horse’s ability to maintain form and direction but also improves the rider’s control and foresight. You can watch me working a horse using this method in the video, Ride perfect circles by not riding circles.

Remember, the journey in equine partnership is a path of continual learning and growth, and adopting this proactive approach will pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling experience with your equine companion. If you need professional help with your horse, you might consider an Equestrian Virtual Lesson. This is a great way to get a private lesson from Tim Anderson. My horse training journey has brought me from winning world titles to now trying to make every horse the best they can be and to help you improve your equestrian knowledge.