Horse training?

Question

I've been having trouble getting my horse to change leads, and sometimes he doesnt even pick up the right lead to start out with. What is the best/easiest way to train him to take the right lead? Also, on a slighly different note, what exersizes work well with horse riding? Like, what will build up the right muscles and stuff? I've been getting tired faster then I want to and I was wondering what I could do to get in better shape? Any ideas would be great!! Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Lead Changes. If it was me i wouldn't worry much about teaching him lead changes, that will come easier after he has figured out the command to get the right lead. the best way to get him to get the right lead is to make sure you over exedurate the command. Make sure your outside leg is behind the girth and your inside leg at the girth. Also make sure he is bending to the inside not just with his head but with his whole body. It is best to ask on a corner that way his balance will be better if he picks up the right lead so he is more likely to.
About the exercises one of the best things you can do is to have good hand control. not for muscles but so that your had can be light and very still while riding. work on getting your left hand just as easy to use as you right. try writing left handed and things like that
Hope this Helps

Answer 2

I started out doing figure 8's. Getting to bend at the poll and get the body aligned. then I would lope and break into a jog in the middle, then I would start back up at the lope. Then eventually I would do that shorter and shorter. Eventually be able to que and pick it up. Just takes time and a lot of practice. Much more, patience.

I would also run down the fence on the lead. Change, and go back on the other correct lead.

If my horse went on wrong lead. I would break into Jog and ask again.

As far as shape: Do some leg strengths and pelvic strengths like "bending, kneeling" Yoga helps me on stretching and being flexible and build balance. Not stiff which is hard on back and defiantly on the legs when bouncing or so going back from lope to jog to lope etc.

Answer 3

Make sure you are on a straight line when you attempt to pick up the correct lead. Some people think it's easier in the corner, but it's really easier for him to cheat you by dropping his inside shoulder and more likely that his hind end will trail on the opposing lead.

When changing leads, think straight again. Turn down the diagonal and in the middle of the ring, ask. Step into the outside stirrup (the outside of the desired lead), this will give a little pull with your inside knee that will help keep him from dropping his shoulder.

Always use all your aids at once, canter, canter, canter, then ask or trot, trot, trot, ask, this helps you have a planned execution of a desired effect.

As for exercises... slide down a wall (with your back on the wall) to a position that is like you are sitting in a chair... hang out like that for a while, it really makes your muscles work.

Also, it's hot out there, remember to bring your water with you and take a break!

Answer 4

My favorite exercise to get a horse to pick up a lead and bnuild up muscle is this: Start your horse at a trot so that he only has to go up one notch at first. Let's start with the right lead. There are two ways to train your horse to pick up a lead and that is with all majors cues on one side or one major cue on one side, the other on the other side. I will start with the second option since that is how most Hunt seat, western, dressage, and eventing horses are trained.

Pick up a nice and steady trot, that is even and ground covering. Pick a spot in the center of the arena that you want to aim for. Put your left right leg just behind the girthat the same time you put you left leg just infront of the girth and start to pull you right hand toward you and squeeze yur legs. It will feel like you are trying to make your horse go different ways, but you are pushing his shoulders over with your left leg and his haunches ther other way with your right leg. That is what you need to do. Give him a few times to get used to this technique before moving on. He hould pick up a canter from this. If he picks up the right lead, let him go on for a efw strides. Then stop him and pet him and let him relax a little. Then do it again. If he picks up the left lead instead, give him the same cues again, except use a lot stronger of a hand cue, to the point that he has to turn into a REALLY tight circle. One of two things will happen. He will either switch automatically or he will start to lose his balance and he will have to switch leads to keep his balance. Most likely the second will happen. Keep practicing that drill until he gets to the point that he picks up the right lead when you give those cues. When trying to do the left lead, place your right leg at the girth and the left leg behind it and use your left hand. If you use the first technique mentioned, where all of your cues are given on the same side ( mainly used for gaited horses, especially Saddlebreds), then you place your left leg at the girth and the right leg behind and use the left hand to cue to pick up the left lead and the right leg at the girth, the left leg behind and use the right hand to cue for the right.

Another thing to help you is to set up cones down your arena. Get your horse into a canter, then weave him in and out through the cones, changing your cues as needed for the proper lead. This will aslo teach him flying lead changes. Hope this helps. Contact me if you need any clarification or any other advice.

Answer 5

Are you meaning the *right* lead or the *correct* lead? Does he take both leads loose in the field? On a lunge line?

Work on flexibility and bending. Gently pull his head around both sides...asking a little more in time. Work on trotting and cantering circles, patterns, serpentines, etc. Be sure you're asking correctly for the lead you want. Ask clearly, and circle until he gets the idea what you want. Praise him when he does it right.

Answer 6

by changing leads do you mean a flying lead change? if so....
you have to be able to get your horse to canter as soon as you ask for it. your horse also has to mave off your leg well. canter your horse over a pole and as soon as your going over it squeeze w/ 1 leg and give a kick w/ your leg that is opposite of the lead you want him/her to pick up ( if on a left lead kick w/ your left leg to pick up a right lead)
once you get good at that leave out the pole.
hope i helped!:)

Answer 7

My daughter is a trainer, you can check out her site at: www.dakotaslegacy.com and leave questions for her if you'd like.