Pirouette (dressage)

From the part of the rider it needs "much practice in collecting and balancing the horse and in using the aids correctly.

"[2] As in all dressage, the horse should remain relaxed, engaged, and responsive, with the poll as the highest point.

Pivoting around one hindleg without lifting it is not considered a correct movement: "The inside hind foot is raised and put down almost in the same place".

[3] When performed at the canter, the gait actually is meant to remain a three-beat action with a moment of suspension.

However, the high level of collection, strength and discipline required means that it often degenerates into an incorrect four-beat motion.

Beginning of a canter pirouette to the right.
Canter pirouette to the left. The horse has transferred its center of gravity towards the hind quarters. Its hind legs are then raised and lowered almost in the same place in the canter rhythm.