Flying lead changes

[Debi]

There is a horse at my stables that I am considering buying. I have never shown but would like to in the future - hunter/jumpers though I am sure I would start in walk/trot classes. This horse is 16 and doesn't do flying lead changes and the trainers say he will never get them. I respect that if the trainers have tried and have not been able to teach him, I certainly won't be able to so my question is, how important is it for him to be able to do flying lead changes?

[ros]

Horses are perfectly capable of doing flying changes out in the field, so I really fail to see why yours should not be able to do them under saddle - unless, of course, it's the trainers who haven't been able to explain to him what it is they want?!

[HunterGirl]

If you want to show competitivly in hunters/jumpers your horse must be able to do flying changes.
Not to mention that its harder to get to distances if your horse is on a wrong lead or cross cantering. You lose pace and impultion.
Do you know why he cant do them, is it a physical thing, or does the trainer not see the point of teaching an "older" horse a new tricks.
Barring something physical most horses can do flying changes if taught properly.

[myEllie]

I have never seen a horse that was unable to do flying lead changes as long as they do not have a physical problem. He just needs to be taught them properly. If you do decide to buy him, make sure to get him vetted. That would show any physical problems with him not being able to do changes. I got my horse six years ago when she was ten. She would do changes, but very stiffly. It took some work, but now her changest are among the smoothest I have ever ridden. Even at our local shows, a horse needs to be able to do flying lead changes in the over fence classes.

[Somethingroyal]

In any class that envolves cantering except for crossrail classes, flying lead changes are pretty much essential. If you can rule out a physical problem, then he just needs to be taught how to do them. Try doing lots of work cutting across the diagonal of the ring, and cue him for a lead change. See how he responds. If he tries to change and just doesnt do it right, there are many ways that you can help him get the whole thing. If he tries to trot the change, he is probably just being lazy, and if he just goes around the ring pleasantly ont he wrong lead, then he has probably been doing that for so long that it just feels natural. in regards to that, on the bright side you won't have any problem holding a counter canter, but it could involve a considerable amount of work.

I would try him out, and see how he goes... Work with your trainer to decide if you can overcome the problem, or if it is going to be something that is always going to trouble you.

[Debi]

I have never shown and would probably start in walk/trot classes where this wouldn't be an issue. But what classes would the horse's inability to do flying lead changes preclude me from entering? Can he trot the changes instead?