Centre line
The centre line divides the riding arena lengthwise into two equally sized halves. In a dressage arena, the first lane on either side is exactly 10 metres from the centre line. The centre line runs in a 20m x 40m square over the course points A - D - X - G - C. In a 20m x 60m square the centre line runs over the track points A - D - L - X - I - G - C.
The centre line is the starting point and orientation guide for numerous schooling figures and lessons:
- Change through the length of the track
- Change through the (middle) compass
- Serpentine line through the course (3, 4, 6 arcs)
- (Reverse) half cicle with a diameter of 10 meters
- Serpentine line along the center line three arcs
- Breaking into a dressage competition
- Canter pirouettes, series changes, easy and flying canter changes on the center line
- Full halt to stop on the center line
- Reverse on the center line
- leg yield changes/ traversals from the centre line/ traversal shifts (zig-zag traversals)
- Shoulder in on the centre line
Quadrant
There are two quarter lines in the dressage arena. They are located on the right and left, centrally between the centre line and the first lane (each 5 metres away). Together with the centre line, the quarter lines divide the dressage arena lengthwise into four equal parts. There are no course points on the quarter line.
The quarter line is the starting point and orientation guide for schooling figures and lessons:
- Simple serpentine line
- Serpentine line along the centre line three arcs
- Reduce / enlarge square
- Traversal shifts (zig-zag traversals)/ traversals from the quarter line
