Flatwork / Dressage Beginner 15 min

Change of Rein Across the Diagonal

Focus: Straightness, Accuracy, Transitions

Equipment: 2 cones or markers

Start tracking left at the working trot. As you approach the corner before the long side, look across the diagonal to M (or K).
At the letter before the corner (F or H), begin turning across the diagonal toward the opposite corner letter.
Ride a straight diagonal line. Your horse should be perfectly straight — no bend in either direction.
As you approach the opposite track, prepare the new bend 2-3 strides before reaching the rail.
Smoothly join the track on the new rein with the correct bend already established.
Repeat 4-6 diagonal changes, alternating direction each time. Focus on the straightness of the diagonal line.

The diagonal line curving instead of being perfectly straight.
Not preparing the new bend early enough, resulting in a clumsy arrival at the track.
The horse speeding up on the diagonal because it feels like open space.
Cutting the corner before the diagonal instead of riding deep into the corner.

Perform the diagonal change at the canter, adding a simple change through trot at X.
Add a transition at X: trot to walk to trot, changing the posting diagonal.
Ride the diagonal in medium trot, collecting back to working trot at X.

Tip: The diagonal is your horse's straightness test. If you drift to one side, it reveals which shoulder is dominant.