101 Exercises - 1.01 The Bow Tie

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Legerete at Blinkbonnie - 101 Exercises
1.01 The Bow Tie

Gait : Walk OR Trot OR a combination of Walk/Trot, Trot/Canter, Walk/Canter

Difficulty : Easy to More Difficult by varying the gait or circle/volte sizes

What is it good for  :  

  • The Bow Tie helps the rider gain control and mobilisation of the shoulders
  • The horse and rider consolidate their knowledge of the flechit-droit and the neck rein 
  • The exercise uses a number of changes in direction, flexion and bend, testing the horse’s understanding and obedience to these aids
  • It can improve lateral balance
  • Variations of the Bow Tie can also help horses struggling with asymmetry

Instructions :

  • The Bow Tie begins with the horse straight and on the track, then the rider asks for a flechi-droit to the outside
  • Once in the correct bend the rider asks for a change of shoulder balance into a counter-bend turn off the track (onto a semi-volte of 6 – 20m depending on the pace and training level)
  • When the semi-volte is complete, the rider straightens the horse (both through the neck and between the shoulders) and makes a straight line towards ‘B’/‘E’ in the arena. 
  • At ‘B’/‘E’ the rider makes a circle to the inside (from 6 – 20m depending on the pace and training level). This circle can be in a medium position or neck extension with either true bend or counter-bend.
  • As the rider reaches ‘B’/‘E’ again, they will straighten the horse and head along the track for a few steps before developing the flechit-droit to the outside; this time in the other direction. Following the same sequence, the rider asks for a semi-volte in counter bend and then straightens the horse before heading back to the circle at ‘B’/‘E’.

Notes : 

  • Your whip is best carried  on the INSIDE of the bend as this will allow you to correct the horse’s shoulders if need be
  • Your inside leg should rest at the girth while your outside leg should be behind the girth in all turns
  • In trot your rising diagonal should relate to the direction the horse is going, whether they are in counter bend of true bend


Here is the start of my long delayed project to document the useful exercises I have learnt during my time as a trainee teacher with the EdL. I hope they are useful!

Christine Mogensen - Principal
Blinkbonnie Equestrian Centre


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