How to Do a Lead Change at a Canter

Lead changes at the canter are called flying lead changes because the horse does not break to a trot in order to make the change. While most horses can naturally do flying lead changes when running freely in a turnout situation, it can be much more difficult for them to do so under saddle because of the rider's weight and balance and skill level. It is easiest for a rider to learn how to do flying changes on a horse that is trained to do them already.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the horse to canter by applying the outside leg behind the girth and the inside leg at the girth. It is beneficial to do flying lead changes in an arena with fixed boundaries because the wall can help steer and encourage the horse to change. The horse needs to be on the correct lead for the direction it is traveling in the arena, with the inside front leg extending out the farthest.

    • 2

      Steer the horse into a half circle to the middle of the arena. This will prepare the horse for the change of direction, which will happen in the center of the arena at the same instant as when the rider will ask the horse for a flying lead change. A horse needs to be on a specific lead depending on which way it is turning in order to remain balanced and coordinated at the canter. The rider should concentrate on remaining upright and centered on the horse so as not to affect the animal's balance during the change.

    • 3

      Squeeze the inside rein for the lead you are asking the horse to change to as the horse lands the third beat of its canter. If you are asking the horse to go from the left to right lead, this will be the right hand and vice versa. This will slightly alter the horse's bend to the match the change of direction. Maintain contact with the outside rein.

    • 4

      Slide your outside leg back behind the girth to the same position as it would be if asking for the canter lead from a walk or a trot. Apply the leg while maintaining the squeeze with the inside rein. A horse trained to do flying lead changes will lift its front end slightly higher off the ground than in a normal counter, giving it an additional moment of air time to switch its stride to the opposite lead.