Ken McNabb Horse Training Tips: How to Advance Flying Lead Changes

Take your lead changes to the next level. In this video, I'll share my favorite drills for refining your timing, straightness, and accuracy to help your horse execute clean, reliable flying changes. Drills to Practice Leads: 1. Simple Change - Right Lead to Left Lead: Start by loping in the right lead on a circle. Stop (no trot steps!), sidepass right into the circle, leaving the hip slightly left. Position the left shoulder up, press your right leg back, and lope off in the new direction, taking the left lead. Repeat the new direction. 2. Leg Yield to Flying Lead Change: Pick up a lope on the right lead parallel to the rail. Leg yield across the arena by using your left leg to push the horse, keeping his head bent to the left. Before reaching the rail, take your left leg off and put your right leg on by the back cinch to initiate a flying lead change in the new direction. Repeat the new direction. Tip: Remember it's not a big deal if they don't do it perfect. The most important thing I ask is for my horse to try. If they try, reward them so they know they did a good job and come back motivated to try harder next time. After all, your horse is your partner—you and him against the world! Until Next Time, May God Bless the Trails You Ride ~ Ken McNabb kenmcnabb.com dmhorses.com