Flying Changes

Bettyboo222

Bettyboo222

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I am at my wits end with Ted :p , During our individual show I really really want to do a canter figure of 8 but Ted will not no matter how much I ask flying change, I think he prefers to stay unballanced. He doesn't always strike off on the correct leg on the lunge or when free schooling either . So has any one got any ideas on how to encourage him to do them ?
 
I'll be interested to see answers, I've one who strikes off on the wrong leg more often than not on the right reign, on the left he's perfect. He's young so learning but I would like to know if there are any tricks that help.

Sorry, no help at all :D
 
Are you just asking straight from canter?? Although I have never asked a horse (apart from polo) to do a flying change, I always assumed I would train from basics, ie - get walk to canter, canter to walk, and then accros the short diagonal I would practise canter to walk for a few paces and then pick up canter on the other rein, gradually make the walking shorter and shorter until you no longer need to make the walk transition!

Also maybe get a physio to look over your horses back to make sure there are no underlying niggles.
 
TBH I would leave the flying changes until you have got the canter consistently on the correct leg and you have sorted out your confidence issues. I would recomend reading some of Sylvia Loch's stuff and maybe make sure you have some good lessons.
 
Dont try to run before you can walk. More often than not a horse that struggles to pick up the correct lead in canter either has stiffness or rider issues.
 
how are you asking for the change?

You really need to get the basics sussed before asking for a change. You need to be able to pick up whichever lead you want on the straight and corners, a good quality balanced canter is a must before you attempt a flying change. What advice has your instructor given you?

I also think you should get a physio to check your horse over.
 
Before you start to attempt flying changes you need to be secure in the following:
Good quality, balanced uphill canter
Ability to lenghthen and shorten the canter in balance
Be able to peform canter- walk- canter transitions with no resistance
Be able to pick up canter on either lead at any point in the school
Be able to ride a balanced counter canter

The horse must be in a good up hill frame and be able to follow the hand. He must also be secure in your outside rein.
 
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