When a ranch riding pattern calls for a lead change, you usually have the option to perform a simple or a flying lead change. In this video from Bud Lyon’s ranch riding fundamental series, the multiple world champion discusses the simple lead change.
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A well-executed simple lead change in the ranch riding can be as difficult as a flying lead change. Therefore, Lyon believes it should be rewarded similarly. The Ride TV coach talks through this maneuver, executing it, and how to choose between performing a simple versus a flying lead change.
Within One to Two Strides
A simple lead change that is well-performed should be within one to two strides. Three strides is allowed per the AQHA rulebook, and anything after three strides is a 3-point penalty. I set the standard of excellence at one to two strides at the trot between loping. We have the understanding that three strides is acceptable, and anything over three strides penalized.
▶️ Watch the full video lesson.
Responsiveness Matters in the Lead Change
We’re doing a left lead lope to right lead lope, with a simple lead change in-between. When I do this, I lope around, ask this horse to trot, then put my left leg on and ask for the right lead. This horse is responding well for the most part. A big part of being able to do the lead change is your responsiveness in your lead departures. If you have a horse that is sticky or dull, or non-responsive to your leg, you’ll probably have a harder time getting that horse to do the simple lead change.
If I have a horse that doesn’t respect or move off my leg, I’ll stop and push him over to make sure I have good hip control. I’ll even do it at the lope for good measure, make sure that my horse moves off my leg so that when I do it during the trot transition we have good responsiveness.
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Self-Carriage and Elevation
Here you can see this horse got sticky, elevated his poll, usually when the head comes up the back goes down and that is not ideal for elevation, self-carriage, and lead departures. So we’ll go back and try it again. He’s a little sticky, and I’d like to see him get off my left leg better so I’ll push him over at the lope, make sure he’s thinking about lifting up and moving forward and over.
▶️ Watch the full video lesson.
Three Key Elements to the Lead Departure
Lead departures have three key elements. Forward momentum, elevation in the back, and lateral movement. If you don’t have all three of those things you probably won’t get the lead departure as well as you want.
▶️ Watch the full video lesson.
Strategy in the Show Pen
It’s important to talk about strategy in the show pen and choosing your option between a simple or flying lead change. Every ranch riding pattern I know of gives you that option at least within the AQHA rulebook. If you have a horse that struggles with the flying lead change, the simple is a great option. But you need to practice like any other maneuver. A simple lead change that is done efficiently and fluidly with minimal effort from the horse and rider is, in my opinion, something that is hard to do and should be rewarded by the judges if done well.
When it comes to show pen strategy, base your decision on what your horse will exhibit the best. If you have a horse you know is 50/50 on the lead change, it’s better to have the option to do the simple lead change. Even if it ends up being a zero-credit-earning maneuver, that is better than a penalty for a flying lead change done incorrectly. Horse showing is risk and reward, and that should be taken into account when deciding which to do during your pattern.
▶️ Watch the full video lesson.
