Question: I have a 15 year old gelding Arab. Im having trouble when i try to get him to change leads. I try the figure eight and he just doesn't seem to understand on what he should do. When i do it i will start with a trot, so he gets the feal of it and then i get him to canter. When he canters he goes to fast and doesn't pay attention on what he should do. If Im lucky he will change it once or twice.If you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Roya

Answer: Are you giving the correct signal cues at the correct time? You should be able to feel the horses rhythm and footfalls and time your cue to when his front leg lead is on the ground and his back leg lead is in the air - for proper flying lead change he should change in the backend before the front-end or you wind up with cross-canter. Also make sure that you are preparing him for the change with a half halt to balance and collect him - then count the strides and think about changing him on the 3 count. While working on the timing try using a small cross rail jump. Count the last three strides to the jump and cue as he makes the jump. It's easier for him and helps you get your timing down. Let me know if this works Amber