Volte

Volte

Volte is a term used in equestrian sports to describe a specific movement performed by a horse. It is a lateral movement where the horse moves sideways while maintaining a forward momentum. The volte is commonly seen in dressage and is often used as a training exercise to improve the horse's balance, suppleness, and collection.

Description

The volte is a circular movement performed on a small diameter, typically between 6 and 10 meters. The horse moves in a curved path, with the inside hind leg acting as the pivot point. The horse's body should be bent slightly in the direction of the movement, with the inside shoulder leading and the outside shoulder following.

During the volte, the horse should maintain a consistent rhythm and tempo, with the inside hind leg stepping under the body and carrying more weight. The horse's head and neck should be flexed slightly to the inside, with the inside rein providing a subtle guiding aid.

Benefits

The volte is a valuable exercise for both horse and rider. It helps to improve the horse's balance and coordination, as well as develop the horse's lateral flexibility and suppleness. The movement also encourages engagement of the hindquarters, which is essential for collection and impulsion.

For the rider, the volte provides an opportunity to refine their aids and develop a more independent seat. It requires precise coordination of the rider's hands, legs, and seat to maintain the correct bend and balance throughout the movement.

Training Tips

When performing the volte, it is important to start with a small diameter and gradually increase the size as the horse becomes more comfortable and balanced. It is also crucial to maintain a consistent rhythm and tempo, as any irregularities can disrupt the flow of the movement.

Using dressage training techniques, riders can incorporate the volte into their training sessions to improve their horse's overall performance. It is recommended to practice the volte in both directions to ensure equal development on both sides of the horse's body.

Related Movements

The volte is closely related to other lateral movements in dressage, such as the leg yield and the shoulder-in. These movements all require the horse to move sideways while maintaining a forward momentum. They are often used in combination to improve the horse's suppleness, balance, and collection.

See Also

• Dressage
• Lateral Movements
• Collection (horse)