Flying changes - timing of aids

[Em 1]

I’ve only sat a flying change once (and yes I mean sat – I was riding a well schooled dressage horse and instead of circling 20m we set off across the long diagonal with a neat flying change over X! Unfortunately, nothing to do with me!:p ). but I’ve been thinking about the aids. I know you have to time the aid so the horse can change during the period of suspension but exactly when does it come? If you are cantering say right and counting the beats

1 – (left rear) -2 – (right rear/left front together) -3 – (right front) ---suspension

then do you change your legs over as you count three? After you count three? I’ve managed to totally confuse myself now so please help!

[Lgd]

Try link below

http://blythdale.tripod.com/coventryequestriancenter/id21.html

[Em 1]

Another interesting site, thanks Lgd. The only thing is it appeared to be more about training the horse than the rider. It was really interesting but I still don't understand exactly when in the stride you give the aid. Anyone give me the idiot's guide to flying changes answer?!

[IrisSilverMoon]

you sort of ask at that moment before the horse has begun their next stride (the stride you want to change on). The moment where the current stride is ending and before the horse moves its haunches forward again, this way when they move their haunches forward again they can switch their legs.

I hope that was helpful, its muh easier to do this by feel.

[Em 1]

Yes that is helpful IrisSilverMoon. I appreciate you trying to put it into words for me! Really then I should be aiming for giving the aid after the third beat at the moment of suspension.

[Calsanjo]

I found the easiet way to learn was to do them over a small cross pole (2' - 2'6) - big enough that you just leave the ground - and to ask in the air. Helped me to get a feel for the timing.

[Nicole5310]

Leg aid as outside forleg hits the ground. Easier said than done. I can do them on my horse however only when i time it right- not too often... he he!