Nine exercises to improve accuracy- Dressage

May 19

This exercise can be used for both dressage and jump training. It is great for any level and requires only basic equipment. 

This is an exercise that involves riding straight then a turn, straight and turn in quick succession. Having the ability to ride a turn without losing the horse’s balance through his shoulders or quarters is the epiphany of all three phases. Without a correct and balanced turn, your centre line will be wobbly, the quality of your jump in the show jumping will deteriorate and run outs will occur at technical cross-country fences. This is a wonderful floor plan that covers everything. 


Build a 20m x 20m square with four jump stands or cones with enough room to go around in each corner. Have a pole halfway down each side with the middle of that pole exactly at 10m. 

1. Build the exercise up slowly by walking each corner so your horse develops confidence in his balance. Also be conscious of your own position and be careful not to let your body weight slip to the outside.

2. Ride a correct 20m circle by touching the pole on every point.

3. Ride a 10m circle at every centre line in canter. Try riding three strides straight each quarter between each circle.

4. Ride the square in trot with three steps of walk over every centre line. Practise your simple changes over X and this can lead up to flying changes.

5. Ride the square with shoulder-in on each side to coach positioning in and out of the movement.

6. Aim to ride exactly three straight strides in medium canter on each 

Illustrations by Peter Liddiard

Show Jumping Exercises

Cross Country Exercises