In the 2007 Training 4 test, there's one part that tells you to do "one loop" from F to X to M. What the hell is this? Which way is the bend supposed to go...like does it start right and then switch to left approaching and coming away from X, and then go back to right for the corner? And what does this movement accomplish? I know that the movements are supposed to be training tools--at the moment, for example, I use a bunch of the 1st level movements to school. But what is the deal with the shallow loop?

The purpose of the shallow loop is to show the change in bend. You start off with a left bend, change to a right bend at the quarterline as you go towards X and after you come back from X you change your bend back to the left. It is actually a great exercise, because it really gets the horse adjustable on both sides and even with contact. Once you get to First 4 this shallow loop is used at the canter to introduce counter canter.

Hm, thanks. I can see how it could be good with the changes of bend. I like figure 8s for just the same reason but I will have to try some shallow loops.

I think that the Training 4 test asks for a shallow loop because it is still low level and doesnt want to see the more extreme changes in bend as some of the higher level tests (like the teardrop in the 1st level test, forget which number) I feel like they just want to see that you are capable of changing the bend slightly and showing the difference. I realize this was posted a while ago, but I'm just poking around old topics

Shallow loops are hard if you push yourself and make them hard. I cna go through not asking for a lot of change through the test and get decent marks, but its one of my exercises at home[and i hate it]. We have three steps to ask and make the turn with a left bend, one step straight, one step to get right bend, one to two steps to make the right turn[loop part], and another step to relax the bend, one step straight, then one step to get left bend, and two to make the left turn in the end corner. Hard as hell to be accurate on a horse who is wiggly and not quick to react, but it really helps us get our shit together.

Its half a figure 8

You have enough posts to get into immature. So shut up already.

How were you taught to draw 8's?

By a drunk bastard. I have you say Bannanarama wins two awards, for posting useless answers and bringing up old threads.

A figure of eight in a dressage arena are done through the center line (usually through X) to 2 separate 10m circles.