Western
Advanced
30 min
Western Riding: Flying Changes on a Line
Focus: Lead Changes, Timing, Smoothness
Equipment: 6 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 6 cones in a straight line, 50 feet apart. These mark your change points.
- Lope through the line of cones, performing a flying lead change at each cone.
- The change should happen as the horse's body passes the cone, not before or after.
- Each change should be smooth and quiet — the horse shouldn't throw its head or speed up.
- Start with changes at every other cone (3 changes total), then progress to every cone (5 changes).
- Practice until each change is automatic and invisible to a spectator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changes that are early or late relative to the cones.
- The horse becoming anxious and speeding up through the line of cones.
- Late lead changes (changing in front but not behind) creating a disunited lope.
- The horse anticipating changes and changing without being asked.
Variations & Progressions
- Vary the distance between cones: 40 feet for closer changes, 60 feet for more space.
- Add a curve between some cones to simulate a western riding pattern.
- Practice the full AQHA Western Riding pattern.
Tip: Western riding lead changes should be invisible. If someone blinks, they should miss the change. That's the standard.
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