Flatwork / Dressage Beginner 15 min

Serpentine Three Loops

Focus: Accuracy, Bend, Balance

Equipment: 6 cones or markers

Set up three equal loops spanning the width of the arena. Place cones at the center line to mark where each loop crosses.
Begin at A or C and ride the first loop across the full width of the arena, touching the opposite long side.
Cross the center line, straighten for 1-2 strides, then establish the new bend for loop two.
Each loop should be identical in size and shape, reaching the track on each side.
At the trot, the change of bend should be smooth. Allow your horse 2-3 straight strides at each center line crossing.
Ride the complete serpentine 3-4 times, focusing on equal-sized loops and clean bend changes.

Making loops unequal in size, with the first or last loop much smaller.
Rushing the bend change at the center line instead of allowing straight strides.
Drifting forward or backward on each pass, so the serpentine migrates down the arena.
Losing the rhythm as you change direction.

Increase to four or five loops for narrower, more demanding curves.
Ride the serpentine at the canter with simple changes at each center line crossing.
Add a transition to walk at each center line crossing before establishing the new bend.

Tip: Each loop should touch the wall. If you find yourself short of the rail, your loops are too shallow.