The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

English Leadline

3K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  iamanequestrian 
#1 ·
Hello, I would like to know everything you can tell me about leadline in an English saddle. This girl has done six leadline classes before in a Western saddle (She did fantastic). This is our first time in the English tack. I would like you guys to give us some pointers!
Other questions of mine..
What should I wear (The handler)? - I have all my English gear - Field boots, tan breeches, show shirt, hunt coat, riding gloves, hair net, and riding helmet.
What she is wearing - Black lace-up paddock boots, tan breeches, show shirt, hunt coat, riding gloves, and a helmet. Everything fits.
We both match - Pink show shirt, black hunt coat, and black boots.
What does the judge look for from her AND I?
The horse she will be riding will be a well behaved 7 year old Quarter Pony.
*Important* How do I tie English stirrups -My saddle is a 15 1/2 inch saddle, it holds you in pretty well I would say. It feels like a 15' though. Anyway, I need to make the stirrups reach her level. How do I tie my stirrups?!
Tell me EVERYTHING you know. It will all be helpful. Thank you so much! We both appreciate it greatly.
I know that I already have this thread in another topic, but I would like to change it. So, please forgive me for that. Thanks! :)
 
See less See more
#2 ·
You should be dressed like you are ready to walk into the show ring yourself. It is a nice touch that you will be matching. One more thing that your little rider will need are garter straps to wear around her leg. If it is a tiny local show she can get away without them but it is part of the english "get-up" if you wear paddock boots. Your goal during the class is to basically be invisible. Leave some slack in the lead rope so the judge can see that the rider is the one steering the horse, try to keep from looking back at her and talking to her. Obviously if the judge's head is turned that would be a good opportunity to whisper a few words of encouragement. Lots of smiles from both of you. Also for english stirrups you can just punch a hole short enough for her feet to reach and tuck the excess stirrup leather under the saddle flap. If you don't want to punch a hole, then you can wrap the stirrups (I will try and explain it the best I can). Unbuckle the leather (but don't remove it from the saddle) and wrap the end that has the buckle around the top of the stirrup a few times, then buckle the stirrup back up. Then just adjust the leather and the stirrup until it hangs right. Here is a picture from, geese, about 5 years ago now, when I took my trainer's daughter in her first lead line class when she was about 4.
 
#3 ·
Oh so helpful! Thank you a ton! I don't have garter straps right now, but it is relativley small local show. The picture that you have provided is indeed adorable! She looks good up there! I do understand what you are saying with the stirrups. Thank you so much. You were EXTREMELY helpful. We both appreciate it a ton. Have a good one.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top