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  Discussion on Getting the correct lead on a departure
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 25, 2001 - 11:50 am:

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the correct lead every time coming off a jump. My horse is good going to the right, but to the left he doesn't always get it. I know it is something I need to do to cue him correctly, but am not sure what.

Posted on Thursday, Oct 25, 2001 - 12:15 pm:

Hi Joy,

there are a number of things you can try, but first make sure that you're not putting more weight in your right stirrup. That will make him off-balance and more likely to pick up the incorrect lead (from a course standpoint, not from what your cueing him to do, which would be to pick up his left lead). If your sure that your balanced equally then try these ideas:
1. check his departures on the flat, does he pick them up with equal ease? If not, then work on the flat first, as it's not fair to expect him to be better over fences then he is on the ground.
2. set up a cavalletti (or 2) on a 20m circle and practise them from both leads.
3. set up a small jump on the diagonal and practise it both ways (from right lead to left and left to right).
4. set up a figure 8 with three cavalettis: sort of like this:

X----X X----X X-----X
A----------B---------C

The idea is to pick up the right lead and jump A on a 20m circle,to B and after B go to the left to jump C. If he misses his lead change ask for a simple or flying to correct it, an continue on. AFter C, return to B and then back to A. From A-B and B-C should be 20 m circle.
5. When jumping make sure that your looking in the direction that you want to go as your jumping to cue him to turn and make sure you use your outside leg at the landing.

Good luck and I hope this is helpful.

TeresaA

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 30, 2001 - 7:09 pm:

Thankyou Teresa, I printed out your reply so I could be sure and get it right. I am going to try it and hopefully get some results.
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