Flying change

[Jodie & Ru]

Hi there everyone,

Please could someone explain to me what a flying change is? i hear this all the time in my lessons and would really like it explained to me properly.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Piaffe]

Have you done canter work?

If so, you will know about the correct lead on each rein in canter.

This is where the inside hind leg leads the canter. A flying change is when the horse changes the lead leg. e.g. say you are cantering on the left rein with left hing leg leading and you ask your horse to change the lead leg, so he ends up leading with the right hind leg. (if you were to continue on the left rein with the right leg leading, this would be called counter canter!)

 

[Jodie & Ru]

Thanks for that information. That's very helpful.

Jodie

 

[FreedomStar]

To achieve a flying change, it is easiest to start with simple changes and gradually work up. First, get a nice, balanced canter. Turn across the diagonal of the arena, and right before you cross the center, drop back to trot and quickly put the horse back on the other lead, and go the other direction. Keep at this, shortening the number of trot strides you put in until you can achieve a flying change. This is the easiest way to learn a flying change.

 

[jovi_y2k2]

Just to extend this thread a bit Star has done alot of dressage with his previous owner and can do flying changes but I'm a bit unsure of how to ask him to change canter leads with out really exaggerating my leg positions can anyone help?

 

[~§pîrìt_Hòr§ë~]

When your horse is cantering say, on the right lead, make sure he is balanced and turn him across the diagonal of the arena. once in the middle, do a half-halt to slightly block his forward movement and to prepare him to be asked to do something. then simply give him the aids for a left-lead canter. i.e. nudge with your right (outside) leg or whatever signal you use to get him to canter on the left lead. hope this helps!

~§pîrìt_Hòr§ë~

 

[jovi_y2k2]

Thanks will have to get practising!! Stars a bit pig headed and when I ask to change leads he will but usually changes back again as if to say "don't try and tell me which lead is best!" such a funny litle horse!

 

[james]

Be careful as one horse I tried a flying change on almost fell over his own feet - and that was only over poles!

 

[FreedomStar]

Ah, so the horse is trained in flying changes. That makes this a whole lot easier. Still, it is best to start out with simple changes, so that you get quicker at asking for the flying change as you shorten the number of trot strides.