Correct Lead-Change Anticipation

In the Western riding class, a properly executed lead change will give your pattern a flow and a higher degree of difficulty that could put you at the top of the judges’ scorecards. Master this maneuver, and you can elevate an average pattern into a blue-ribbon performance. A good, soft lead change will allow you to continue the rest of the pattern smoothly.

But if your horse anticipates a lead change, you can accrue penalties and leave the show pen frustrated and winless. When your horse anticipates a lead change, he’s trying to give you what you want—just a bit too early. He’s giving you a response before you ask and is often trying too hard. You need to teach him to wait for your cue to change leads.

Here I’ll outline the methods you can use to reduce lead-change anticipation in your horse. First, I’ll