Get Through The Line
Horse and Rider|July 2017

Executing four consistent lead changes in a row is challenging. Here I’ll offer advice on how to improve your changes down the line and score when it comes time to show.

Leslie Lange, With Nichole Chirico
Get Through The Line

COMPLETING FOUR LEAD CHANGES IN A ROW can be a challenge at first, and takes hours of practice at home to achieve. To improve your ride and increase your Western riding score, you must have a plan to successfully get through the line portion of your pattern, which consists of four lead changes. Level 1 (green/ novice) competitors use patterns that require only two lead changes down a line of cones. To increase your score and “plus” each maneuver, no matter your level, you must steer your horse through multiple cones while changing leads at the exact center point between markers with rhythm and cadence, from start to finish. Your horse should wait for your command to change leads, rather than go through the cones and change on his own.

Here I’ll discuss ways to help improve your Western riding performance in the show pen, and also offer advice to build your confidence and increase your maneuver scores by practicing at home.

Find Your Middles

Whether you’re new to Western riding or a seasoned competitor, warm up for your ride by trotting through the cones—especially when you’re at a competition. Your pattern changes depending on the size of the arena, so trotting through the series of cones helps you get a feel for where you’re supposed to change leads in relation to the placement of each cone. It also gives you the chance to plan your approach; give yourself plenty of room to get straight.

Have someone watch you trot through the line. Call out to your friend where you’re going to change leads between markers to get a feel for how many strides are between each cone and start to get comfortable with where center is.

この記事は Horse and Rider の July 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Horse and Rider の July 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

HORSE AND RIDERのその他の記事すべて表示
The Horse
Horse and Rider

The Horse

LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.

time-read
2 分  |
Fall 2024
Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test
Horse and Rider

Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test

The six-panel test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the genetic predispositions of horses. It's meant to discover if a horse has or is a carrier for certain hereditary diseases and traits.

time-read
4 分  |
Fall 2024
Love is Good
Horse and Rider

Love is Good

All horses are assured a hopeful, compassionate plan of care at This Old Horse, a program that helps not only horses but people, too.

time-read
4 分  |
Fall 2024
HORSE PACKING 101
Horse and Rider

HORSE PACKING 101

Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.

time-read
6 分  |
Fall 2024
NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS
Horse and Rider

NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS

Anew horse can bring excitement and energy to the barn, and even reinvigorate your passion. However, there are also a myriad of new problems that can come with a new horse, so learn how to introduce him properly to avoid these common issues.

time-read
8 分  |
Fall 2024
First-Timer Tips
Horse and Rider

First-Timer Tips

Heading to a young rider's first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.

time-read
7 分  |
Fall 2024
Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story
Horse and Rider

Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story

One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.

time-read
3 分  |
Summer 2024
The Country's Hottest Horse Motels
Horse and Rider

The Country's Hottest Horse Motels

Take your next trail-riding adventure to the next level by staying at one of these six horse motels across the United States.

time-read
7 分  |
Summer 2024
Outbreak! What We've Learned
Horse and Rider

Outbreak! What We've Learned

Learn how disease outbreaks in recent years have changed the horse industry, and why it's so important to play your part when it comes to disease prevention efforts.

time-read
8 分  |
Summer 2024
TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE
Horse and Rider

TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE

Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.

time-read
8 分  |
Summer 2024