Brad Barkemeyer demonstrates lead change fundamentals.

To be successful in reined cow horse events your horse must have a flying lead change. Brad Barkemeyer talks about the fundamentals he uses to help teach his horse how to change leads.

After working the gate, Kristen Martel demonstrated a lead change followed by an extended lope once the gate was shut. She explained what earns credit in this maneuver and highlighted common mistakes that can decrease a rider’s score in ranch trail. Martel emphasized precision, timing, and keepin...

Ryan Rushing shows us how to introduce lead changes to a younger horse after working on body control.

A lead change—either flying or simple—is part of the AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. Bud Lyon helps a rider struggling with the lead change during the pattern.

Bud Lyon works a green ranch riding horse and shows you how he likes to work with a green horse on their flying lead change.

When a ranch riding pattern calls for a lead change, you usually have the option to perform a simple or a flying lead change. Bud Lyon goes over the simple lead change.

Forward motion. Lateral movement. Elevation. These three things are Bud Lyon's key components to a successful flying lead change. In this video, Bud schools a young horse to help him get a successful right-to-left lead change.

The next step in working with a rider who is new to the ranch riding is the lead change. Bud Lyon discusses when to use a flying lead change and shows a new rider how to cue for a flying lead change.

You must have lateral and forward movement if you want your horse to perform a flying lead change. Bud Lyon schools a green ranch riding horse and works on his horse's green flying lead change.

The fence can be a handy tool when asking your horse to change leads. Brad Barkemeyer shows you how he'll work flying lead changes while incorporating the fence.

When asking for a lead change, your body position is just as important as your horse's. Brad Barkemeyer shows you how he shifts his body weight so his horse is able to change leads.

In order to have a successful lead change, your horse must be willing to move off your legs and stand up his shoulders. These lateral movements help your horse learn where to put his body so he can set up for a successful lead change.

In the progression of teaching a horse lead changes, this diagonal exercise is a great way to keep your horse honest, and listening to your riding cues. Brad Barkemeyer shows you a drill you can add to your riding session.

Flying lead changes can be daunting. Brad Barkemeyer talks through how to prepare your horse outside of the pattern to set both of you up for success.

Peter DeFreitas introduces a young futurity prospect and uses him to demonstrate how he works lead changes with his young horses. He details the basics of schooling changes—straightness and speed. Peter also discusses counter-canter work.

During a reining pattern you're expected to circle your horse and then change leads in the center of the arena before going into your next set of circles. Keith Ceddia goes over the basics of changing leads on a circle and how you can successfully do so without letting your horse lean into the ci...

Brad Barkemeyer takes us through one of his favorite young horse drills. He uses this drill specifically when teaching lead changes.

Keith Ceddia goes over an hourglass drill he likes to use on his horses to help them with their flying lead changes and body control.