MECHANICS of the Canter
If you want to master lead departures or lead changes, or simply be able to recognize which lead you are on, you must first understand the mechanics of what's going on in your horse's body. The horse's inside hip is to the inside of the shoulder on a given lead. That back inside leg must be able to clear the inside front leg. In order for this to happen, the horse's ribcage must get out of the way (pushed over toward the outside).

Why does this matter? If you want your horse to take a particular lead, you must help him out by moving his ribcage out of the way, and encouraging his hip to the inside of your circle. This sets him up for success.

Steps to a Correct LEAD DEPARTURE
1. Walk forward, using your inside leg in position 2 to bend your horse's ribcage, remembering to also soften his nose to the inside.
2. Take that inside leg off, and place your outside leg in position 3 to encourage those hips to come in to inside.
3. Up your energy, and ask for a lope using your seat and both legs.

Departing from a STANDSTILL
To help teach your horse to depart from a standstill, use the same principles as above, but side pass away from the center of your circle and lope from there.

FEELING a Lead
Because your horse is canted to one side in a lead, your body will be canted as well. In a canter on the right lead, you should feel that your right hip is further forward than your left, and your right toe is up by the shoulder while your left toe is back by the front cinch.

BODY POSITIONING in the Canter
Relax.
Ride with your eyes and look where you are going.
Use your seat to control the momentum.
Lead with your pelvis rather than your shoulders.

PASSION
It is easy to get discouraged when working on some of the more advanced maneuvers like lead departures and changes. In order to not let discouragement get the best of us, we need to have a passion for what we are doing. Passion is intense, compelling emotion or commitment. We keep our passion for horsemanship alive by remembering why we fell in love with horses in the first place. We embrace the good, and acknowledge when we (or our horses) are simply having a bad day or a bad moment.

I sure love the times when I am able to work with my favorite person. I hope this lesson with DeeDee was both fun and informative for you. Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!

- Ken


*NOTE: This video was filmed a few years back and our office staff has since changed. DeeDee has moved into happily homeschooling the boys full time and helping me ride and run the ranch. Please feel free to contact [email protected] or 307-645-3149 to reach our office staff.*