To work on correct bend and flexion, spiralling is a highly useful exercise.  Spiralling is simply working your way from a 20m circle into a 10m circle and back out again. The spiral should be decreased or increased gradually using leg-yield (not steering in or out using reins). This exercise helps to bring the horse onto the outside rein, bend correctly, slow down while keeping hind end impulsion and create natural collection (as opposed to 'unnatural collection' created by fussing with the reins and simply pulling in the head).

When working in an arena (manege) you may frequently need to share with others.  This may be in a formal setting such as a group lesson or show ring or casually during a training session. 

When doing so here are a few etiquettes to help you get along with your fellow riders

• Don't follow other horses too closely, try to keep at least a horse length between riders
• If at a show or hunting ribbons are often tied to the horse's tail to indicate a warning - red for a kicker and green for a young\green horse
• When at a show or competition always check for other specific rules and listen carefully to the judge - be polite to others
• When passing (head on) do so left to left i.e. your left shoulder faces the other riders left shoulder when the horses pass each other or another way to think of this is that the horse working on the left rein gets the outside track.  *In some countries, including NZ this can also be right-to-right...?
• However, the left-left rule is abandoned when two riders are working at different gaits (speeds).  In this case the outside track is always given to the fastest gait - canter over trot or walk etc.
• If a rider is obviously working on some advanced moves when you are entering, warming up, cooling down etc just try to keep out of the way rather than strictly adhere to the rules above.
• Call your jumps, and if you're unsure what workouts others are doing, call your circles too ie callout when you are circling left or right to let others know where you're heading.
• Don't circle right in front of other riders, cutting them off or riding over the top of them
• If lunging in a shared area do not crack the lunge whip while others are riding. When riding be careful when using your dressage whip or crop that you don't frighten or distract the other horse. i.e. don't flick the whip just as you are passing another rider
• If you do get in someone's way - for whatever reason - an apology will help keep the tension down and try not to repeat the indiscretion!

Please always remember that not everyone went to Pony Club or had formal 'training' so that may not know rules like 'left-to-left'.  A polite conversation when you enter the arena will solve a lot of potential problems. 

If you are a more advanced rider - also remember what its like when you're learning, you are often busy concentrating on steering or not falling off, so 'chill out' a bit and take the responsibility on yourself (since you are the better rider) to stay safe and out of harms way. Remember "Don't sweat the small stuff! and Its all small stuff!"

Click here for information on preparing for your first dressage test