CHANGING LEADS 2

Problem:
Your horse changes leads great for your trainer. But when you try panic sets in. How do you learn to change leads without messing up your horse's training?

Solution:
LEAD CHANGE EXERCISE #2 (second of a series on lead changes)

(above) Sit in the center of the saddle and look ahead to improve your lead change.

Exercise:
Begin riding two handed with even reins. Take a firm grip on the reins with your entire fist. Thumbs up.
Lope off on the left lead and continue around the arena. From one corner, make a gradual turn and lope at a diagonal towards the far corner.
At the midpoint of the arena you are on the counter-canter.
Keep your hands together and slightly to the right. Your left leg should be away from the horse and slightly forward. Your right leg should be dropped back to hold the horse's hip to the left.
Continue around the end of the arena on the left lead.
On the straight-away, break to a walk and walk forward in a straight line.
Reverse and repeat exercise on the right lead.
Try the exercise one handed.

Hints:
1.Breathe and look ahead at a fixed object such as a fence post.
2.Check your rein length without dropping your head.
3.If your horse tries to change leads, check that you are not looking down or altering your body position. Break the horse gently to the walk and begin again.
4.Sit in the center of the saddle. Do not lean forward or twist your body.
5.Horse's head should remain down and relaxed. If he seems at all shocky, try using a softer bit. A snaffle or low port bit would be ideal. Use less bit than you generally work your horse in. Maybe even a leather curb strap. The idea is to be able to handle your horse without him becoming upset.
6.Keep up a good medium lope with a steady cadence. If you go too slow, this manuever will be difficult for your horse.
7.All movements, turns, and changes of hand/leg position should be smooth and gradual.

·END·