🎯 Dressage Polework Exercise: Improving the Accuracy of Your Half 20m & Half 10m Circles

Katie Hood
Aug 7
3 min read

Whether you’re working in walk, trot, or canter, this simple but effective accuracy exercise helps you ride precise half circles through X — while maintaining rhythm, balance, and control.

You can ride these exercises in both directions, adjusting the gait depending on your horse’s level and your goals for the session. As always, the key to success is keeping the rhythm steady and consistent, even through the turns.

💡 Top tip: Count “1, 2, 3, 4” in your head or in time with your rising to help keep the tempo even and prevent rushing or losing balance through transitions and turns.

🎯 Aims of the Exercise

Improve the accuracy and symmetry of your half circles
Develop control and balance through the turn at X
Practice maintaining rhythm and shape through direction changes
Encourage correct straightness and bend

🐴 Exercise One

Half Circle Right 20m from C to X, then Half Circle Left 20m from X to A

This is a great accuracy-checking exercise and a favourite for improving control and planning.

👉 How to Ride It:

Approach C in a steady rhythm, looking towards X just before you reach the letter.
Ride through C, and then begin your right 20m half circle toward X.
Ensure your circle is wide enough that the outside edge touches the arena track at the halfway point.
As you approach X, ride straight through the centreline — resist the temptation to turn early.
Once through X, look left to A — this helps your body prepare for the left half of the circle.
Complete the left 20m half circle back to the track at A, keeping the size and shape equal to the right-hand half.

💬 Why it works: This teaches you and your horse to maintain balance through changes in bend while holding a consistent shape, rhythm, and line.

🐎 Exercise Two

Half 10m Circle Left from E to X, then Half 10m Circle Right from X to B

This is a more challenging version of the first exercise due to the smaller size and tighter turns — great for more advanced horses or for refining your aids and timing.

👉 How to Ride It:

Approach E in a steady rhythm, with your eyes and focus already turning toward X.
Begin your 10m half circle left, ensuring your horse is balanced and correctly bent.
Straighten briefly through X, as before — don't turn right too soon.
Look to B to prepare your body and position for the right 10m half circle.
Maintain your rhythm and balance all the way back to the track at B.

📝 Note: This exercise is much more technical — so preparation is everything. Shorter turns mean you must use your aids clearly and effectively without disrupting your rhythm.

✨ Final Thoughts

These no-stress polework exercises are a fantastic way to refine the accuracy of your shapes, improve bend and balance, and test how well you can maintain rhythm through turns. Don’t be afraid to start in walk if needed and build up to trot and canter as your horse gains confidence and strength.

With regular practice, you’ll notice improved control, straighter lines, and more consistent contact — all while staying calm, focused, and connected in the saddle.