A horse’s lead is how his front legs strike the ground when he lopes or canters. It can be a big deal, especially when you’re training. If you ask a horse to canter on the wrong lead, it can take him much longer than if he was starting off on the correct one.
Usually a horse will pick up the correct lead naturally. But it could also be because of a miscue by the rider. Jockeys use a subtle cue to change leads, like a flick of the wrist and shift of weight. Horses that are in a competitive sport like barrel racing know going into an arena which barrel they plan on turning first and may be trained to start off on the correct lead.
Guiding Gracefully: Choosing the Perfect Horse’s Lead for Comfort and Control
When a horse is on the correct lead, his outside leg stretches out farther than his inside leg. He will also be able to swing his head around to the side and move his body in an outward motion. If you are near a corner, you can squeeze on the outside rein and ask your horse to canter. This will help him to feel the difference between the two leads and will prevent him from being confused by you.
A horse should be led from the horse’s left shoulder with your right hand about 15 inches away from his head. This will prevent the lead from being stepped on and dragging on the ground, which is dangerous for you and the horse. It will also help to keep your right hand away from the horse’s face if it gets frightened.