Volts in the dressage test
Volts are required in dressage from novice to advanced level in various sizes, from 8 to 10 metres in diameter. In principle, volts can be ridden in all basic gaits, whereby their effect on permeability is greatest in trot and canter.
A correctly ridden volte should be circular and end exactly at the point where it was started. The horse should be guided along the line with the help of the diagonal aids between the inside leg and the outside rein, without holding the horse with the inside hand. The adequate flexion and bend for the volte is created primarily by driving the inner leg. At the same time, the outer shoulder must be controlled with the help of the outer rein and the guarding thigh and a breakaway to the outside must be prevented.
In order to check the horse's self-carriage and the correctness of the diagonal aids within the volte, the rider can strike over with the inner hand for a few steps. The horse should remain on the line of the volte, the horse's contact, carriage and pace should not change.
In addition to the diagonal aids, the rider must also sit in the direction of movement, i.e. shift his weight in the saddle in the direction of movement and mirror the horse's shoulders with his shoulders.
Further article about volts
Read more about striking over
What the judge wants to see
If a dressage test includes a volte, the judge will evaluate the following points:
- Volte laid on at the point
- Sensitive preparation and initiation of the volte
- Appropriate flexion and bending of the horse
- Appropriate choice of pace in the volte
- Activity of the hindquarters in the volte
- Correct size of the volte
- Correct seat and correct aids of the rider in the volte
- Leaning errors in the volte such as throwing off the neck, leaning on the bit, ...
In order to be able to fulfil these requirements together with the horse, it is recommended to include the exercise "Volts from the centre line" in the training.
Description
After turning to the center line at A of C, voltes are ridden alternately to the right and left. Between the turns the horse is ridden several steps straight ahead. The gait can be changed as a variation between the voltes. While cantering, simple changes of canter between the voltes are also possible.
Tips and hints
The voltes should be ridden on both hands and in the same size. Make sure that the horse is straight for a short moment between the two turns, i.e. not bent or bent. The ridden centre line should not "slip" to the right or left.
Training goal
This exercise is used for gymnastics and, through the alternation of alternating voltes and riding on the centre line, primarily helps to improve the longitudinal curvature as well as the straightening of the horse. The voltes also lead to an increase in the load bearing capacity of the respective inner hind leg.
With the exercise the entire permeability of the horse can be checked. A horse that is not standing exactly at the aids cannot be led in a correct line from one volt to the next.
- Straightening
- Activate hindquarters
- Gymnastics
