How to Teach a Horse to Switch Leads on Cue

Getting your horse to switch leads on cue can be a bit tricky, getting your horse to switch leads on YOUR cue can be even trickier. I searched out the best of the best and here is what I have found to work better than all the res.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Your horse
• a pole
• helmet
• some patience
• a good attitude :)

1. Use a ground pole, in the beginning stages. First, place a ground pole about 10 feet from the fence line of your arena. Canter over the pole look one direction (the lead you want to learn) coming at the opposite lead of the one you want to get(towards the fence or edge of arena).
2. After a while (once step one is mastered), move the pole around the arena.
3. Once he gets the hang of it, remove the pole all together and he should remember the exercises.

Tips & Warnings

• remember this takes time, so take the steps one lesson at a time.
• be sure you are actually changing reigns when you are asking for the change.
• Make sure you can pick up the correct lead on the rail both directions ON CUE before trying to attempt to teach Flying changes.
• Make sure you can also counter-canter (wrong lead) around the rail ON CUE.
• Always use the SAME cues in the same spot on their body
• Always wear a helmet (of course!)
• Be patient, this takes time
• be consistent. Your horse will not be consistent unless you are.