Switching leads, turning poles

horse_lover08 · 06-18-2008, 07:49 AM

My mare turns barrels, and switches leads while turning them amazingly, but when it comes to doing poles, she doesnt switch leads at all! She will just trot all choppy and off-lead and whack me with the pole! Any advice on how to get her to switch leads and pick up the speed while turning the poles? Thanx in advance.

sorrell · 06-18-2008, 08:21 AM

Working on flying lead changes with a pole planted near each change might be a start. Have you tried asking for lead changes on the straight away? Usually horses will change on the cloverleaf because of the sharp turns, but since poles are tighter together and on the straight-away, you might have to teach her to change leads on a straight line. The trotting usually results from off balance. Teaching her to move off your leg...move over with pressure, and do lead changes on the straight, should help improve her.

BriLeigh · 06-18-2008, 10:29 AM

She needs to learn to change leads by command. Every time you need a lead change for poles you have to ask for it, not just expect her to do it on her own.

horse_lover08 · 06-22-2008, 03:26 PM

Okay I will try all of your guys' advice! thanks!

06-18-2008, 07:49 AM	#1
horse_lover08 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The UP Posts: 272 Images: 66	Switching leads, turning poles My mare turns barrels, and switches leads while turning them amazingly, but when it comes to doing poles, she doesnt switch leads at all! She will just trot all choppy and off-lead and whack me with the pole! Any advice on how to get her to switch leads and pick up the speed while turning the poles? Thanx in advance.

06-18-2008, 08:21 AM	#2
sorrell Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,918 Images: 30 Blog Entries: 1	Working on flying lead changes with a pole planted near each change might be a start. Have you tried asking for lead changes on the straight away? Usually horses will change on the cloverleaf because of the sharp turns, but since poles are tighter together and on the straight-away, you might have to teach her to change leads on a straight line. The trotting usually results from off balance. Teaching her to move off your leg...move over with pressure, and do lead changes on the straight, should help improve her. __________________ I've Been Love Struck

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06-18-2008, 10:29 AM	#3
BriLeigh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 441 Images: 21	She needs to learn to change leads by command. Every time you need a lead change for poles you have to ask for it, not just expect her to do it on her own.

06-22-2008, 03:26 PM	#4
horse_lover08 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The UP Posts: 272 Images: 66	Okay I will try all of your guys' advice! thanks!