Circle size and load

Goal

Understand why circle size and working time matter for the load on the horse.

The horse's body language

A horse moving balanced and regular on a generous circle is comfortable. Rushing, falling in or laboured movement can point to a circle that is too small or a session that is too long.

Common mistakes

• Lunging on a circle that is too small
• Lunging too long or too often
• Working on one rein only

Safety

• Work on a generous circle; as a guideline at least about 15 metres across, larger is better.
• Keep sessions short, as a guideline up to about 20 to 30 minutes and shorter for young or unfit horses.
• Change the rein so you load both sides equally.

Stop at once if

• The horse moves lame or irregular
• The horse becomes tired or tense

Supervision

If you doubt whether a horse is fit or mature enough, consult a vet or trainer. The figures given are widely-held guidelines, not fixed rules.

More about this

On a small circle the joints and tendons take more angled load and the horse rushes sooner. For young or unfit horses that is even harder. A generous circle, short sessions and changing the rein keep it healthy. The sizes and times given are guidelines to adjust to the individual horse.

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