[liveluvride]

The horse I ride can do flying changes... but usually only to the right. Whenever I ask for a flying change to the left lead, he swaps in front but not behind. I ask by bending his head in and using my outside leg. I have no idea how to fix this problem! Any suggestions as to how I can be sure of getting a complete flying change would be very helpful!!
Thanks so much! -liveluvride
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[waresbear]

Instead of pulling your horse into a lead change, think of pushing him into it. Use your leg to push his outside hip to the inside, your outside seat bone to push him over, your outside shoulder back, but don't lean. Once he is steady & shifted to the inside (you don't throw away your inside aids, they balance him), ask for the change with the outside rein on his neck. You really should have someone experienced in teaching flying lead changes on the ground helping you, otherwise it can mess up a horse and get them rushing, which leads to crossfiring.
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[Valentina]

When teaching the changes to the horse and/or rider I also tell rider to "step" into NEW inside leg while doing a squeeze/release on NEW inside rein and using new inside leg at the girth. (Getting the new inside hind leg to "jump" forward is the key to the hind legs being late problem.)

Failing to change behind means YOU need to prepare the horse better. Canter should be active from behind, lots of "air" time, and rider has to cue it at the correct time - too late and the horse doesn't have time to make the change in the back. So have horse "jumping" through at canter, then as soon as all 4 hooves are off the ground ask for the lead change. (Asking for the change has to give the horse plenty of time to "switch" their legs before the hind leg hits the ground.)

You also have to be a good enough rider to figure out which hind leg is the "lazy" one that is causing the issue. That's the leg you need to ensure is jumping through before you ask for the change.

 

[liveluvride]

Thank you all for your responses! I will try to use both of your instructions when I ask for a flying change, and I am working with an instructor so they can help correct my faults.
Thanks! -liveluvride
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