Get Through The Line

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

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.