Flying changes are one of the hardest movements to train and teach. While it is a perfectly natural movement for your horse, it isn’t always easy to teach them how to do a clean flying change when you ask! In this video, my husband, Germán, is coaching our student Orion who is demonstrating one of my favorite exercises to introduce and improve the flying changes.
Before we get into the pattern, I wanted to remind you to RSVP for my Free Flying Changes Webinar. If you’re dreaming of riding perfect flying changes, come to my free webinar on Sunday, October 6th at 12 PM Pacific time, where I’ll guide you step-by-step through teaching flying changes. Make sure to RSVP!
Okay, now onto the exercise! In this video, Germán starts Orion off with the Shallow Loop Serpentine exercise, which helps establish straightness, bend, and rhythm while preparing for flying changes. Here is how to ride this pattern:
- Serpentine pattern: Start by riding diagonally from H to X, then head back toward K. At the quarter lines, ride a simple change of lead.
- Simple change at the quarterline: As you approach the quarter line, transition to the walk, then pick up the new lead. This helps your horse understand the change in direction and bend, which are key to clean flying changes.
- Add flying changes: Once the horse is responding well, replace the simple change at the second quarterline with a flying change. Remember to keep the horse forward and in front of your leg to get a clean and balanced change.
If your horse struggles with the flying changes into the pattern, don’t hesitate to go back to simple changes. Practicing the serpentine pattern with simple changes will help your horse build strength, balance, and understanding. Any time your horse becomes hesitant or stiff, it’s always a good idea to go back to something a little easier, focus on the rhythm and suppleness, and then come back to the harder exercise.
Flying changes can be tricky, but with the right exercises and focus on forward movement and correct aids, you can achieve successful flying changes! If you need more help training or troubleshooting the flying changes, don’t miss my Free Flying Changes Webinar where I’ll break down the process step-by-step and share my best tips and tricks for teaching clean, correct flying changes.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
