Lead changes are an important part of riding horses, both for competition and for pleasure. Lead changes, also known as flying changes, involve the horse switching from one lead to the other in canter, and are an important part of dressage and show jumping. Lead changes involve the horse changing his lead leg, and are a tricky maneuver that requires a great deal of practice and coordination. So how do you get your horse to change leads?
Understand Your Horse’s Ability and Limitations
Before you begin to train your horse to change leads, it is important to understand his ability and limitations. Every horse is different, and some horses will learn quickly, while others may need more time. You should also be aware of any physical limitations your horse may have, such as a stiff joint or a weak hind end, which may make it more difficult for him to make the change.
Get the Basics in Place
Once you understand your horse’s ability and limitations, you can start to work on the basics. Make sure your horse is comfortable and balanced in the canter, and that he is responding to your aids. You should also make sure that your horse is on the correct lead by asking him to canter a circle in both directions and listening to the sound of his feet.
Work on Suppleness and Flexibility
In order for your horse to be able to make a successful lead change, he needs to be supple and flexible. Work on exercises such as shoulder-in, travers, and half-pass to help your horse become more supple and responsive to your aids. This will help him to be able to make the transition from one lead to the other more easily.
Teach the Half-Halt
The half-halt is a crucial part of the lead change, as it helps to prepare your horse for the change. To teach the half-halt, start by asking your horse to canter in a circle. When you reach the point where you want the lead change to happen, give a brief squeeze with your inside leg and outside rein, and then release. This should help to slow your horse down and prepare him for the lead change.
Establish a Cue
Once you’ve taught your horse the half-halt, you can start to establish a cue for the lead change. This cue should be something that your horse can easily recognize and respond to, such as a tap of the inside leg or a tap of the outside rein. When you give the cue, your horse should be able to make the lead change without prompting.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you have established a cue for the lead change, it is important to practice the maneuver regularly. This will help your horse to become more confident and comfortable with the lead change, and will help him to make the transition more easily. Make sure to practice in both directions and on both leads, and to vary the speed and the size of the circles you are riding.
Be Patient and Positive
It is important to be patient and positive when teaching your horse to change leads. Lead changes can be a tricky maneuver, and it may take some time for your horse to become comfortable with the maneuver. Make sure to reward your horse with a pat or a treat when he does the change correctly, and never punish him if he gets it wrong.
Use a Coach or Trainer
If you are having trouble teaching your horse to change leads, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a coach or trainer. A coach or trainer can offer valuable advice and insight, and can help you to develop a plan to teach your horse the lead change. They can also provide feedback on your riding and help to ensure that you and your horse are working together in harmony.
Conclusion
Lead changes are an important part of riding horses, and can be a tricky maneuver to teach. It is important to understand your horse’s ability and limitations, and to work on the basics before attempting the lead change. Make sure to work on exercises to help your horse become supple and flexible, and to establish a cue for the lead change. Practice regularly, be patient and positive, and consider enlisting the help of a coach or trainer if you are having trouble. With patience and persistence, you and your horse can learn to make the lead change successfully.
Keywords: Lead changes, flying changes, dressage, show jumping, cue, coach, trainer