Master Your Diagonal Lines: Ride Them Like a Pro for Higher Scores

Diagonal lines in dressage might seem straightforward, but riding them with precision and purpose can significantly boost your scores. They're not just about going from one corner to the other; they're an opportunity to showcase your horse's suppleness, balance, and responsiveness to your aids. Done well, they shine; done poorly, they can quickly drop your marks.

If you're looking to elevate your diagonal lines from satisfactory to excellent, follow these top tips. You'll be riding them like a pro in no time!

1. Turn When Your Shoulder is at the Letter

This is a golden rule for accuracy. To ensure you hit your entry point precisely, initiate your turn onto the diagonal when your shoulder aligns with the letter (e.g., K, F, H, M). Don't wait until your horse's head is at the letter, as this will lead to a late turn and cut the corner, sacrificing valuable marks for accuracy and geometry. By turning your shoulder at the letter, your horse's body will follow the correct arc.

2. Keep Inside Leg to Outside Rein Connection

As you begin your diagonal, it's crucial to maintain the connection you had from the previous line. For example, if you turned off the left rein (e.g., at K, turning towards M), continue riding with your left inside leg to your right outside rein connection. This maintains the necessary energy and slightly regulating outside rein support. Don't immediately lose the bend or connection as you straighten onto the diagonal. This subtle continuation of aids ensures your horse stays collected, straight, and engaged until you reach the "quarter line" – roughly the middle of the diagonal.

3. Change Your Bend and Riding Diagonal at the Quarter Line

The quarter line is your pivot point! This is where you transition from the old bend/diagonal to the new. As your horse's shoulder reaches the quarter line, smoothly and seamlessly change your bend and riding diagonal. This means switching your weighting, leg, and rein aids to establish the new inside leg to outside rein connection (e.g., if you're now going towards M, your new inside leg will be right, connecting to the left outside rein). Make sure this change of aids is clear and decisive, but fluid.

4. Aim Half Your Horse's Length Before the Marker

This is a common error that leads to crooked or missed markers. When riding towards your exit letter (e.g., M), don't aim for the letter itself. Instead, aim for a point approximately half your horse's length before the marker. This gives you ample room to straighten your horse and prepare for the turn onto the track. By the time your horse is perfectly straight and on the track, your rider's shoulder should be level with the marker. This ensures a clean, accurate finish to your diagonal, demonstrating control and planning.

By diligently applying these tips, you'll find your diagonal lines become more precise, balanced, and expressive, inevitably leading to higher marks from the judge.

Practice makes perfect – get out there and ride those beautiful diagonals!