Flatwork / Dressage Beginner 15 min

Leg Yield from the Quarter Line

Focus: Lateral Work, Responsiveness, Straightness

Equipment: 4 cones or markers

Place a cone at the quarter line (5 meters from the rail) at the start of the long side.
At the working trot, turn off the track onto the quarter line at the beginning of the long side.
Apply your inside leg at the girth to push the horse sideways toward the rail while maintaining forward movement.
Your horse should be mostly straight with just a slight flexion away from the direction of travel.
The horse should arrive at the rail by the end of the long side, covering both forward and sideways ground.
Walk and change direction. Repeat the leg yield from the other quarter line on the new rein.

Too much neck bend, causing the horse to lead with the shoulder instead of moving evenly.
Losing forward impulsion — the horse slowing down as it moves sideways.
The horse not reaching the rail by the end of the long side (not enough sideways).
The rider collapsing their hip and leaning in the direction of travel.

Start the leg yield from the center line to double the distance to the rail.
Add a transition to canter when you reach the rail to test straightness.
Ride leg yield in both directions without stopping: quarter line to rail, then rail to quarter line.

Tip: Leg yield should feel like the horse is sliding sideways while walking forward. Think of it as walking diagonally.