Volte

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This article is about the a dressage training technique. For the Renaissance dance, see Lavolta.

The volte is a very small circle that is used in the training of a horse. Of all the circles, it requires the most balance from the horse. Voltes are excellent training tools, encouraging engagement and power.

[edit] Size of the volte

Size of a volte will vary between horses, based on their stride length and their training. The accepted diameter for the volte, when used in dressage competition, is 6 meters. However, a horse should not be pressed to perform a smaller circle than is comfortable for him, as it will sacrifice balance, relaxation, and impulsion. These qualities always take presedence over the size of the volte.

[edit] History of the volte

The volte was traditionally 12 strides long (using the inside hind leg) in circumference, resulting in a circle 10-15 meters in diameter. However, this was later decreased to 6-8 strides in circumference [1].

[edit] Variations

First developed by Saunier, leg-yields are sometimes encorporated into voltes, with the horse's nose facing the inside of the circle. Additionally, de la Guérinière developed "square voltes," which are not commonly practiced today.