Brad Barkemeyer’s Tips for the Show Pen Video Series:

In this video brought to you by Absorbine®, hear from Brad Barkemeyer, a Professional Horseman focusing on Western performance horses specifically Reined Cow horses and Roping, about the fundamentals of a lead departure.

One of the most basic fundamentals of the lead departure is a happy, comfortable horse. Before working on developing the lead departure, make sure you have a willing horse and send clear signals by using your legs, feet, and voice.

The basics of the lead departure mean the horse will be balanced in the direction you are traveling. If you’re loping a circle to the left, your horse should be in the left lead. This creates his ability to be athletically balanced, which is crucial in reining, where your circles often set you up for other maneuvers.

When it comes to lead departures, suppleness is critical. Work on helping your horse develop a nice frame, where he’s breaking at the poll, his chin is down, and you’re maintaining good communication with your feet and encouraging forward motion.

Watch Brad’s Tips for a Lead Departures Now:

[LEARN: Brad teaches you how to introduce your horse to the rope]