Volte
Encyclopedia
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.
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 precedence over the size of the volte.
s are sometimes incorporated 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.
Riders may incorporate renvers into their volte, as well as use the volte to help prepare the horse for other movements, such as half-pass
.
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 dressageDressage
Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
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
Impulsion
Impulsion is the pushing power of a horse, which comes from its desire to move powerfully forward with energy. However, speed does not create impulsion, and a rushing horse is more likely to be "flat" than impulsive...
. These qualities always take precedence over the size of the volte.
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 .Variations
First developed by Saunier, leg-yieldLeg-yield
The leg-yield is a lateral movement performed on a horse, in which the horse travels both sideways and forward at the same time. The horse is fairly straight through his body in the leg-yield, although he may have a slight bend to the outside...
s are sometimes incorporated 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.
Riders may incorporate renvers into their volte, as well as use the volte to help prepare the horse for other movements, such as half-pass
Half-pass
The half-pass is a lateral movement seen in dressage, in which the horse moves forward and sideways at the same time. Unlike the easier leg-yield, the horse is bent in the direction of travel, slightly around the rider's inside leg. The outside hind and forelegs should cross over the inside legs,...
.