Step one: get some helium balloons. Yeehaw!

But really, step one is understanding that there's no magic button on your horse—no special signal. If you ask 10 experts how to get flying changes, you'll get 11 answers. So, today's exercise is about simplifying the process, not the techniques.

To do a flying lead change, a horse must accomplish three things at once: compress, lift, and bend. Just to be clear, a flying lead change is the act of cantering on one lead and switching to the other. A balanced horse can easily perform this task naturally, but throw a rider into the mix, and it gets messy. Then, add in a thousand techniques—jump lead changes, turn lead changes, counter-to-canter changes, corner lead changes, figure eights, and more—and you get paralysis by analysis.

So, let's break it down.

Compression

Teaching a horse to shorten and lengthen their stride is essential. Without it, you can't gather their balance well enough to perform the change. Watch a horse in nature, and in slow motion, as they gather their stride to enable the change. That’s what you need to practice.

Lifting

Teaching a horse to elevate their stride is another necessary component. Some western trainers prefer their horses to stay closer to the ground, but even then, you'll still see the horse lift for the change. There's always a moment of suspension—it has to be long enough for all four feet to leave the ground and reconfigure for the opposite lead.

Bending

Teaching bend is a big piece—too big to cover in just one article. It involves flexion, counter-flexion, haunches control, shoulder control, head and neck softness, and flexibility. But the point here is that bending is an essential part of the coordinated event.

I did say simple, right? Not necessarily easy. These pieces have to be practiced independently for a long time if you want to master lead changes. It’s entirely possible to get them organically or with a little luck, but getting them consistently—with elegance and precision—is a whole other thing.

A Horsemanship Perspective

My favorite early method is to practice setting the pieces and allowing the horse to time the change. Only later is a cue established.

The reason I wrote this article is to drive home this point: If you ask a pro how to do lead changes, they often can’t fully articulate what’s needed and end up pointing you to cues and techniques. We're a little different here at Mastery Horsemanship. We want you to have a deeper understanding. And trust me, it goes even deeper—including footwork, leg position, hand position, feel, and timing. But as far as the exercises go, remember the three things you need to practice and get to it!

For more technical advice, let’s do coaching together. With coaching, I can get to know you, your horse, your strengths and weaknesses, and create an individualized program that delivers real results.

Thanks for reading, Don