The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

How I Taught Flying Lead Change

854 views 0 replies 1 participant last post by  WildAtHeart 
#1 ·
This is just how I taught it to my horse. Not the best way I'm sure but it worked ;) Leave your method below.

How I ask for a lead:
I ask for the lead by adding weight in the seat bone on the side I want him to lead with & sliding my opposite leg back a bit and applying pressure. I do all of this at once with a loud single click noise.

How I as for a lead change:
I ask for the lead change in pretty much the same way I ask for the canter (without the click that is). I will switch what seat bone I have more weight in and add light pressure with the opposite leg.

How I taught the lead change:
1. Ensure your horse can pick up either lead on command. For example, some horses just pick up the inside lead because they know it is correct not because you asked. To teach this...ride down the center of the arena at a trot and ask your horse to pick up whichever lead you choose. Bring back to a trot by the end. This will help them to learn to pick up the lead you want.
2. Once your horse can pick up either lead on command you are ready to start working towards the lead change. Start by picking up the canter either way...for the example I will use left. So you have picked up your left lead and you are cantering around. As you complete one of your end corners look across the ring and bring your horse across to begin creating a figure 8 pattern. Once you are completed your turn bring your horse to a trot. As you approach the wall where you will turn right pick up the right lead. Continue this figure 8 pattern cantering one way, cutting across at a trot and then picking up the other lead.
3. Keep decreasing the amount of time that you trot. Next try not trotting at all. Still do the figure 8 but once you meet the middle ask for the change.


Like I said...that is just what I did =) Once my horse learned this she got a little bit obsessive about changing her leads randomly every few strides lol She is better but we are still working on it.

Best of luck!
Cait
 
See less See more
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top