Ken McNabb: Loping & Lead Departures

WHY PAY ATTENTION TO LEADS? To get the most out of your horse, it is really important to understand where his body is and how it works. So even if you never need to ask for a fancy flying lead change, understanding your horse's general leads will help you and your horse move with fluidity and control whether it is getting a job done on the ranch, in the performance arena or loping across a field on the trail. Being on the correct lead keeps you safe in the saddle as you are not getting bounced or jarred around and it allows your horse to carry himself and you better which keeps him stay safe in multiple terrains, footings and athletically not getting hurt.
WHAT IS THE CORRECT LEAD? The lead originates in the hind leg, but we see it most evidently in the front legs. The front leg that reaches out further in the stride determines the lead you are on. If the front right leg is reaching, you are on the right lead. If the front left leg is reaching, you are on the left lead. if you are loping a circle to the right the correct lead would be the right lead and if you are loping a circle to the left the correct lead would be the left.
ASKING FOR A LEAD
Start by moving in a circle at a walk. To get on the correct lead, move the horse's ribcage toward the outside of your circle, then push his hind end slightly inside the circle, and drive him forward. If the horse absolutely will not pick up the correct lead, sometimes stopping, doing a rollback toward the outside and driving forward will encourage your horse to pick up the correct lead.
FEELING A LEAD
You can know which lead you are on without looking down because your horse's body - and therefore YOUR body - will be canted. When my horse is on the left lead, my left leg will be further forward toward his shoulder, and my right leg will be further behind. With practice, you can learn to feel the tilt in your pelvis to know which lead your horse is on.
COUNTER CANTER
When you ask your horse to counter canter, you are intentionally loping in a circle on the incorrect lead. Being able to counter canter your horse gives you even more body control, and can also be helpful as you start teaching lead changes. You can also pick up a counter canter if you want practice feeling what the incorrect lead is like.
CROSSFIRE
A crossfire is one lead on the front legs and the opposite lead on the back legs. We never practice the crossfire because it is a bad habit. You can tell you are crossfiring when it feels like you are being jerked and twisted sideways in the lope.
I hope you found this lesson on leads helpful for obtaining more body awareness and control. Next time, we will talk about the LEAD CHANGE.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
- Ken McNabb

[@josefgross1493]

Excellent instruction 😊

[@MARLEYSHEEPDOGS]

Thankyou for information

[@Alex-horsman]

Very good lessons for beginners, thanks!! Keep teaching us!!!

[@user-cs8mo5ks4b]

Thank You Ken

[@diamondrock1970]

Very good explanation. Thank you so much for sharing. Your videos with us is very, very understandable. Good teacher.😊👍👍

[@terriwofford490]

I really miss your show on RFDTV. I’ve learned some much for those over the years. Look forward to the next video on flying lead changes. Thanks

[@andywoommavovah7229]

@Ken McNabb great instruction. I am starting to get the lead concept. This has been elusive for me but this make it a lot easier to understand. My May still needs work on the other parts to get set up to be able to control the corners. Thx!