How can i teach my horse flying lead changes?

Question

im a barrel racer ,and lately i have bin having troubles geting my horse on the right lead to the right barrel.

and he also doesnt change his lead going to the second barrel.so im stuck

Answer 1

First and foremost - can the horse do lead changes and pick up both its leads?  Watch the horse in the pasture and try free lunging it.  He HAS to be able to pick up both leads and do flying lead changes in the pasture without a rider.

If he can't do them in the pasture - then you have a problem.  It could be a medical problem.  He may or may not ever be able to be a barrel horse.  Barrel horses MUST be able to do lead changes - otherwise, they are REALLY out of balance and would really have a difficult time at being successful in barrel races.

Next - if all is okay in the pasture and it's just a training problem.  I would go back to a snaffle bit.  Teach him to trot circles with the correct bend (to the inside).  They shouldn't shoulder in - as that's how we knock barrels.  They also have a difficult time picking up leads when they aren't having the correct bend.

Once the horse bends nicely in both directions at the walk and trot - try to pick up the leads in a circle.  Most horses do it easiest if you begin trotting a circle or two and after they understand where they're expected to go and have the correct bend you ask them to pick up their lead.

Riding the horse in a round pen can also help with teaching them to do the correct leads.

Once they've mastered leads and simple lead changes - then go back to trying the flying lead changes.  Remember to change your bend (inside leg at the girth to create bend and outside leg behind the girth).

Most horses don't switch leads in the center between barrel 1 and barrel 2.  They usually do it as they're going into barrel 2.

You can try cantering around barrel one, asking the horse to trot a few strides and picking up the correct lead as you're going into barrel 2.  Forward motion is the key though - they have to be willing to move forward or they will have a difficult time switching leads.

Also, try setting up 2 barrels about 25 feet apart.  Canter in figure 8's around them.  Your horse might have to trot in the center to switch leads the first few times.  After a few rides though, they'll figure out what's expected and begin to do their flying lead changes.  Remember to do  your part though and help them by using your legs correctly.  

If all else fails - find a dressage or jumping trainer.  I have taken some lessons from them and it improved my riding and my horse's ability greatly.  It might seem ridiculus, but you'll learn a lot, your horse will learn a lot, and you'll win A LOT more jackpots!  (I PROMISE!)

Answer 2

Ride the horse sraight up to pen fence at a lope to generate  impulsion  stop go left immediately usein outside heel behind girth cue back to a lope keep this up till he does it right reward when he does dont over do it take breaks stop when he does it consistantly right repeat same way to the right. usin out side heel cue.