Things You'll Need:
- Large, open arena with few obstacles at the short ends
- Horse that is familiar with flying (cantering) lead-changes
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Step 1
Be sure there is sufficient room at the small end of your arena to perform a wide, open turn. If jumps or other obstructions are present, be sure to move them.
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Step 2
After a regular warm-up that includes transitions, bending, trotting and cantering, try a half circle or a change of direction across the middle of your arena. Instead of asking for the lead change, maintain the outside lead as you change your direction. This should only be done at a well-balanced, rhythmic canter. This will require you, the rider, to maintain your balance and outside rein as the horse's guiding aids.
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Step 3
Once you have achieved the change in direction but not the change in lead, follow along the straight side of the arena at the canter. Your horse should have a slight bend to the outside of the arena. Do not try to cut in close in the corner, but rather make a large, wide turn and make the short end of your arena one big, round turn at the counter canter. Again, this requires the rider to maintain outside aids (leg, hand and seat) to be the driving aids. You should have a deep, driving seat in the saddle, but be sure your horse is balanced and not over-bent to the outside. From the horse's back you should just barely be able to see his outside eye as an indication to the proper degree of bend.
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Step 4
Should your horse spontaneously change leads or break to the trot, he is not ready to perform this task. If he is able to counter canter until asked to change leads, he is showing exceptional balance, coordination and willingness to listen to the rider's aids. Your goal should be to counter canter the entire arena, at least once around. Reward your horse for accomplishing this highly skilled task. A nice walk on a long rein is well deserved after listening and accepting your aids so well.
