With each of these exercises, a marked track that is closer to the inside of the ring does not mean that you take an inside track. Rather, you continue on your previous rail (possibly in a different direction).
Start by trotting. The long straight-away side of the arena is the side you lengthen your trot, and the shorter side with corners is where you shorten. Remember, your horse should be engaged through each change. Your horse should not speed up when you ask him to lengthen, but cover more ground with the same speed. When you shorten, your horse should not fall out through his back and disengage, but keep the impulsion and cover LESS ground.
Halt on the second long straight-away at the trot, half-halting first. Continue trotting until you reach the point where you started. Walk 1/3 of the way, and then pick up a canter. Your lengthening and shortening principles remain the same. This is a good exercise while jumping, to help adjust for your distances.
Halt, and turn on the forehand. Walk several steps to rebalance and canter again. The last straight away is filled with transitions. Don't go through the movements. Make sure your horse lightens with each and responds to your aids. Trot, walk, halt, and then back up to finish.
Reverse your pattern a little later.
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