Hunt Seat: Ride the flying lead change
January 24, 2009
A key maneuver for a winning equitation pattern or a passing score on the Colorado 4-H Horse Project Level III or Level IV riding test is the flying lead change. To ride the flying lead, you need rhythm, balance and the ability to quietly multi-task at speed. DO: Keep your "building blocks" properly stacked. Stay centered in the saddle, cue as the horse's old front lead leg hits the ground, lift your horse’s shoulder with the rein on the side of the new lead, press with the outside leg, allow your "soft eyes" and energy to flow with the new lead. (Find building blocks, soft eyes and energy focus in Sally Swift's Centered Riding, left.) DON’T: Look down, tip to one side or the other, let your horse drop the inside shoulder, speed up, yank or spur harshly. Get a few lessons on a trained horse so you know what a flying lead is supposed to feel like. PREREQUISITES: To truly ride this maneuver (push-button horses don't count), you and your horse must already be able to sidepass, pivot on the hindquarters and forehand, execute a half halt, two-track at the walk, trot, and canter. You must also be able to counter-canter, and smoothly canter from a halt and trot before you train for flying leads. The flying lead change is a complicated skill, but it adds value to your horse, and gives you a show ring advantage. Check out our video below for details.
Sponsored by: Poudre River Stables, KarinLivingston.com