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  Discussion on Lead Changes after the Jump
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Posted on Monday, Mar 20, 2000 - 12:42 pm:

Hello all!!

Liz here again. I am having problems with my 5 year old with lead changes after the jump. I do have a trainer who I trust and is helping me. However, I am having a problem, and so is she, getting my horse to change his lead after a jump.

here is the thing - my horse likes to jump to the left and land on his left lead. He then won't switch to the right lead after a jump.

He will however switch to the right lead from his left when on the flat. However, his flying lead changes aren't wonderful in general.. he pulls down through them, making it more difficult for everyone involved.

I also am not great at them. I learned to ride western and I can do millions of flying changes in a western saddle with no problem. English is another story however. I tend to lean foreward too much and stand on my toes right after the change both throwing off my balance and my horse's.

Any suggestions for my horse's and my combined problems??

Thanks, Liz

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 21, 2000 - 11:30 am:

Hi Liz,

I have a few ideas for you to try. The first is to really work on flying changes on the flat and get it down really well before you try it over a course. To stop the leaning on the forehand go back to simple lead changes for a while. The DrOp in gait will rock the horse on hind end and help with the switch. YOu can then decrease the number of steps between lead changes until it's perfect. Also, visualize and think "sit back, sit back" through all these changes so you won't be on your toes.

To work on your horse keeping his right lead over fences try cantering over poles on the ground. This will help him to get the idea to stay on the correct lead. Then go to a cavalletti and then small jump etc. Another trick I've seen is canter a figure 8 with a pole or cavalletti in the centre. This will help the horse figure out which lead he needs to land on. THis exercise is actually rather fun.

When you're going over a fence to the right lead think "right, right, right" and put a little more pressure on the right rein and leg. This will help prevent him from turning to the left so much and, hopefully, maintain the lead.

good luck

TeresaA

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 21, 2000 - 11:25 pm:

Dear Theresa:

I just wanted to say thanks for answering my post. I have been reading up on the topic and I like your suggestions to visualize the sit, sit and the right, right. I think that will really help.

After reading your post as well as other literature I realize that Its just practice, practice, practice.

Thanks again. liz
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