lead changes

Resources for lead changes

Simple & Flying Lead Changes Clinic

Julie presented her pre-recorded video clinic with live narration of the clinic and riders at the 2020 Annual Certified Horsemanship Association International Virtual Conference. Watch to see Julie’s tips and valuable knowledge on how to

Slower is Faster with Horses

Let’s face it, we’ve become a society of instant gratification. From fast food, to fake nails, we like immediate results. This quest for instant results carries over to horsemanship, too—from flying lead changes, to

Mastering the Canter

Everywhere I go—whether it’s to clinics, expos, conferences or just riding with friends—there are riders working on mastering the canter. Whether it is a novice rider just figuring out how to cue the horse and

Afraid Of The Canter Cue

Question: Dear Julie, When riding in the arena at the canter, for the first few strides my horse throws his head up in the air. Why is he doing this? Puzzled Answer: Dear Puzzled, This

Fear Of Cantering

Ask Julie Goodnight: How do I overcome fears of cantering? Hi Julie, I have been riding for about 2 years. I’m 53, and although I have been around horses (started my daughter riding @ 4-5

The Cross Canter

The Cross-Canter “Cross-canter” is the proper term for what is commonly called “cross-firing” or “disunited” cantering. As opposed to picking up the correct lead, with both front and hind inside legs leading the way, the

Canter Leads

Rule Out the Physical If you’re having trouble with your horse’s canter leads, make sure to rule out physical problems first. Whenever a horse only takes one lead at the canter, you always have to

Understanding Your Leg Aids

Understand Your Leg Aids The “natural aids” are the tools that you were born with that allow you to communicate to the horse what you want him to do while you are riding. Traditionally, there

Fearing The Transition

In Devon Danvers’ “Lost in Transition” episode of Horse Master, I helped a teenager who was ready to stop showing—and riding—because his horse exploded into the canter and just wasn’t fun to ride. The episode

Quick Tip: Flying Lead Changes

Riding Skills: Understanding Leg Aids

Question Category: Riding Skills Question: Understanding Leg Aids By Julie Goodnight The “natural aids” are the tools that you were born with that allow you to communicate to the horse what you want him to

Riding Skills: Natural Aids–Using Your Legs

Question Category: Riding Skills Question: How should I use my legs to cue my horse? I learned to ride with my reins and I know I need to know more skills–to cue my horse with

Riding Skills: Lead Changes

Question Category: Riding Skills Question: Julie, Hope all is going well for you. I’m continuing to enjoy teaching kids riding lessons. My question this time: What’s the best way to teach advance kids how to

Riding Skills: Feeling Canter Leads

Question Category: Riding Skills Question: Hi Julie, I have trouble feeling my canter leads, and I know the worst thing I can do is look down. What is the best way to feel the lead?

Cantering Help: Won’t Take Right Lead

Question Category: Cantering Help Question: I have a question about my 4 year old paint mare. I have been working with a trainer on and off for almost a year and I cannot get her

Cantering Help: Throws Head At Canter Transition

Question: Dear Julie, When riding in the arena at the canter, for the first few strides my horse throws his head up in the air. Why is he doing this? Puzzled Answer: Dear Puzzled, This

Episode 319 – Straighten Up & Fly Right

Straighten Up and Fly Right: Julie Goodnight teaches a pattern to prepare for flying lead changes

Episode 224 – Straight And Round

Straight and Round: Julie Goodnight helps a horse feel balanced cues, pick up the correct lead

Conquering The Canter

In every clinic that I teach, there are riders eager to canter; all they want to do is canter-canter-canter and maybe work on lead changes. Then there are those that want to canter but dread

Good Day! On a recent episode of Horse Master, we featured a 68 year old man who is competing in Versatility Ranch Horse. Dave also happens to be president of the new National Versatility Ranch Horse