Tip 3 – Right Lead? What is that?

Tip 3 – Right Lead? What is that? – Fortunately for us, most horses will choose the correct lead when asked to turn at speed on the playing field-. However, knowing how to set a horse up properly for the proper lead or a lead change is a real asset for both reasons of maneuverability and your own safety.

A proper lead is just that when you are cantering or galloping a horse is on a specific lead. When turning to the right, the horse should be on the right lead which means both the right front and rear legs of the horse are moving further forward that their lefts. The proper lead makes it easier for the horse to turn into that direction.

To get the correct lead, you need to think inside rein outside leg. So when going to the left, you should have the nose of your horse into the circle to the left and apply your outside or right leg. Outside simply means the outside of the circle. Applying leg can mean anything from a simple squeeze with your lower leg to several sharp kicks on a less responsive horse.

You should build up a little momentum with your horse before you ask for the canter. Don’t throw your horse away, keep them in hand, slight hold of the reins, and then add leg. This will cause the horse to pick up the canter from a controlled position or collected position as opposed to allowing them to just speed up and fall into the canter so to speak. Collecting the horse is very important. It is merely shortening the length of their stride while maintaining the gait. You slow the gallop, but you do not break to a trot. This is accomplished by pulling and releasing on the reins while you add your legs. You are in effect asking them to speed up and slow at the same time. If you did this at a stand-still-the horse would back-up. That is what you are trying to do at speed, to set the horse more back on their haunches, allowing them to be lighter on their front legs, which makes it easier for them to turn or change leads.

Collecting and then proper signals with rein and leg before you change leads on the run is how you let the horse know you are preparing for a lead change.

Being familiar with leads will help you get to plays quicker and safer. Throwing a horse in a new direction without the proper direction will increase the possibility of a horse stumbling or losing balance. As you can imagine-that is a bad thing. So remember, leads, inside rein, outside leg. Collection is just shortening their stride and being able to better prepare them for a new direction. Happy Polo !!