The flying change of leads is one of the most advanced maneuvers horses perform, making it one of the most difficult to teach, and the Western Riding competition one of the fastest growing. Because it is “complicated” in timing, cadence and elevation, the basics must be mastered before the first request for a “flying change.”
Nancy Cahill, AQHA World Champion trainer, takes you step by step through the basics, building toward the perfect position for making the flying change. Nancy not only gives you the concise information you need, but she shares her philosophy of training to assure you have a complete training plan.
The course begins with an understanding of what the flying lead change entails, and then proceeds to give you “building block” exercises to prepare your horse for the flat, smooth, effortless changes needed to win. Nancy gives you a strategy for performing the class and offers “trouble shooting” advice for things that can go wrong during training sessions. Nancy’s video, Precision In Western Riding, is required viewing. Please order it from: https://www.nancycahill.com/product-page/precision-in-western-riding
Lesson 1
1. What talents and abilities needed?
2. Three components of the flying change.
3. Philosophy of training
Lesson 2
1. Getting started.
2. Understanding the change.
3. Stopping and backing
4. Turning
Lesson 3
1. Moving off your leg.
2. Collection.
3. The side-pass.
Lesson 4
1. Hand and leg control.
2. Controlling the forehand.
3. Controlling from the shoulder back.
Lesson 5
1. Turning.
2. Half passes.
3. Typewriter exercise.
4. The counter-canter.
Lesson 6
1. The first change.
2. “Feeling” the timing.
Lesson 7
1. Making good changes.
Lesson 8
1. The anti-change.
Lesson 9
1. When things go wrong.
Lesson 10
1. Riding the line.
2. Cone strategy.
3. The pole.
4. Scoring the class
You will be asked to produce videos showing you performing the exercises on your horse which have been described within the lessons and which you have mastered. You cannot receive a final grade for this course until the videos have been submitted and your training work approved.
Click Here To Enroll In Course
- Start course at anytime – no waiting for a semester to begin
- Completion deadline of one year from enrollment date. Extensions available.
- Work one-on-one with your instructor
- You can take just the one course