Won't Pick Up Right Lead

[Maci]

Any suggestions on how I can get Mac to pick up his right lead. He's more comfortable cantering on his left, but when we have to go on his right, he has a hard time picking it up. He's more tense and stiff going that direction, so should I work him a bit more on his right side to loosen him up, before we canter? He has a hard time bending to his right, but his left is fine! Would trotting a clockwise circle (so the right side of his body is facing the inside of the circle) help, since it encourages him to bend that way? Time for more circle work! ;)

Thanks!
Maci :)

[SILENT-ONE200]

Maci,

You may want to have your horse examined by a vet to rule out any bruising, foot, abcesses, or leg injuries. I have a horse that does the same thing. Turns out, he had a nasty hoof infection. It has permanently affected him. He's sound but cannot be ridden hard. He now has to have front shoes at all times. He goes great on his right side, but he's stiff on his left side where the hoof infection is. How long has your horse been doing this? Is he turned out with other horses?

SILENT-ONE200

[Ipsa]

I had a horse with this problem and sometimes trotting a small circle to the right would help and cantering in the corners. The other thing I used to do was walk on the left rein, do a half pirouette to the left, (then you're on the right rein again), do a few strides of trot and then canter. Also sepentines before strike off, pretty much anything to have my horse as balanced as possible.

[Maci]

Thanks Ipsa & SILENT-ONE2000

Ipsa- When I went out to ride him today, I started at square one- I walked him in a bunch of circles and curves-anything to make him bend (on both reins, but focusing more on his right side), then we did trot (same- curves, circles, etc.), and when I picked up canter, he was on the correct lead in both directions! It's crazy! :eek: I don't know what I did- maybe because I focused more on bending him...

SILENT-ONE2000- He's turned out with a group of horses. He's been doing this for a while... but now that I do think about it, his right hind pastern is always a tiny bit swollen...well not swollen, but bigger than normal. He's fine, however, not lame at all and watering it doesn't do anything. Usually there's no heat coming from it (and I feel his whole leg/foot, even his frog), and if there is, he's fine...I'll look into it the next time the vet or farrier comes! But as I mentioned to Ipsa, he was fine today. I only really notice that he does it when we're riding with others- I'm thinking, also, that he just gets overly excited in the company of others, and he just wants to tank off with me to catch up! Hmm....

Maci :)

[SILENT-ONE200]

Maci,

Glad to know that it's not affecting him too badly if he's trying to run around with his buddies. :-) Maybe the next time the vet is out, you can have him/her do some x-rays. Couldn't hurt. :-) Horses can be "left-handed" or "right-handed" same as people. Just for fun, you can set barrels in a barrel racing pattern in the arena or hall where you ride (Make sure that the owner can get some 50 gallon drums for you and that it's okay for you to set them up). Any barrel you go first is fine. It will help him learn to bend and flex as he is going around an object. You can also do some pole bending with him.

SILENT-ONE200

[Maci]

I agree with the left-handed/right-handed thing- he's much more comfortable in everything he does on his left side! That's a good idea about the barrels! I never really thought of that! We have a lot of big, plastic barrels that we roll over and use as jumps, but next time I'll set them up as a course!

Thanks Again!
Maci :)

[SILENT-ONE200]

You're most certainly welcome, Maci :-) Just be sure to vary the course. Make it more interesting. Horses can become bored and sour by doing the same routine over and over and over again. You can also try going out for a hack or on some trails. This will help keep his interest up and he should look forward to the rides by meeting you at the gate. If you do, make sure that the yard owner knows where you're going in case something happens. I always make sure to carry my cell phone with me.

SILENT-ONE200

[~alison~*]

Maci - my horse is the SAME way. what I found helpful is to work in the field (flat), and just work equally both ways to start out with. then once to go to the arena. keep a lighter outside rein, just occasionally press/release to keep him on the rail. move your seat with him , exaggerating to the outside ( but not too much). soften him with the inside rein, bringing your in towards the opposite side, and keeping pressure with your inside leg. i hope you understood what i was trying to say. good luck!

[tuckers mom]

hey, maci! I have a horse that has a lead problem now & then. some of the ideas that have been passed to you to help you out are good ideas. But I find the problem being me not giving consistant commands. It is always good to start out warming up the horses neck & shoulders by standing on the ground behind the horses shoulder & pulling his head to the side while he stands in one spot. If the horse moves in circles dont give him his head until he stops moving. Do this several times on each side. You can also do it while on horse back. Once you are on the horse try this...... Keep him/her at a walk. While going clockwise ask your horse to tip his nose to the inside using your right rein, apply your right leg into his girth & your left leg to his flank. This will get him to round himself. Shift your weight slightly to the left allowing him to pick up his front right when you ask for the canter. Do this in both directions. When you start out doing this, just ask the horse to round himself without asking for the canter. Do this several times until he begins to round to the right (or left) smoothly. Then start asking for the canter. Don't forget to shift your weight to the left when asking for the right lead or to the right when asking for the left lead. I couldn't beleive the difference it made for me. My horse will still now & then pick up the incorrect lead but it's because I am being lazy with my cues & body position. Once I correct my self he & I are ready to go. I hope I didn't confuse you too much! Good Luck!!
Tuckers Mom

[Maci]

Thanks, both for the tips! I understand what you are saying, alison! And part of the problem is probably me (as Tucker Mom said about her problem). Actually, now that I think about it more in depth, I have problems asking for a canter in that direction (right lead)- my left leg (outside leg) isn't as strong when asking for the canter. I have trouble bringing it back and pressing :confused:...well, to conclude- it's us both! :o Another thing we have to work on! :rolleyes:

I Don't Mind!
Maci :)