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I trained my horse by myself in a pasture. I have found that you will have a MUCH more reliable horse if you do not teach based upon a rail. They don't anticipate it then like "rail or ring" trained horses. When I started training my horse, he always took the lead towards the barn. So I started with that. I started the cues that way. Go one way for awhile and then the other way. Also, you can work in circles and corners. If you are at a corner of the field, (or an imaginary corner) trot in circles. Then push for a faster trot. I know this does not should right, but you want the lead- not the transition... yet. You will start to feel a syncronization of the trot- he will be "trotting" in the lead. Now ask using your cue. Eventually, you will need less and less trot time. This will also work with lateral work, if your horse knows this. Sometimes, young horses do not know lateral work yet or sometimes this confuses him. Once your horse understands what you want, then you can ask for better and faster transitions. I just purchased a three-year-old, unbroke gelding (ne is now broke), and do not plan on ring training- but only be field training him in a hay field. My old horse was the best with his leads and did not hesitate when on pattern or asked for a counter-canter.

Good luck. Do not feel intimidated by not having a trainer. We are among the few, but we know our horses the best! The best part about it- you can train the horse to your cues and the way you want. You have a closer bond.

Do you mean his lead is disunited? He is on lead in front but not behind making for a choppy ca-lumpity-clump gait? A lead change should be smooth with a cue for change just as he strikes off on to the old lead giving his brain and body a timing chance to switch on the next stride. Use a feel of the reign on the side you will ask to lead, at the same time-- keep the outside reign set-or "firm" so that this cue goes through the horses outside mouth corner towards his opposite side at the withers to your hand to keep him boxed between the bit and the reign to keep him from evading. Now apply body weight shift in direction of the new lead and pressure from the outside leg behind the girth while the inside leg is steady at the girth and you have it! With practice you will be able to change between strides and execute a "flying lead" change. Good luck!

I'd make sure you are setting him up properly, and that your position is correct. If he picks up his leads fine on the ground it could be something that you're doing. Maybe ask your trainer to ride him, and you can watch what he does.

There are two basic ways of setting the horse up for the correct lead. The direct bend is when you bend the horse to the inside (like you are going around a corner). You could try asking your horse for the canter while staying on a large circle, as to get the bend correct.

The indirect bend is when you travel in a straight line and push the horse's hind quarters off the track. This forces them to get the correct lead. I prefer using this method for younger horses, and the direct bend for older horses. To do the indirect bend I would suggest cutting the corner. For example pick up a sitting trot, then cut the corner at A and ride straight to K (if you are tracking right) or F (if you are tracking left). Let's assume you are tracking right for simplicity. As you approach K sit back, use a bit of left rein, and pull your left leg back. It should be difficult for your horse to pick up his left lead, but easy for him to pick up his right lead.

Both methods should work. One other, more complicated, thing you could try is timing your aids to his foot falls. If your horse rushes, and jumps into the canter the second you ask him he probably won't pick up the correct lead. Ask him for the canter just as he is about to lift his outside hind leg. However, if he is set up properly, you really don't need to think about this.

Finally, make sure you are sitting deep in the saddle and your inside shoulder is back. He also should be in a frame with impulsion.

Because he is okay with his leads on the ground it probably isn't a medical condition, but getting him checked out by a vet wouldn't hurt.

Good luck.

What do you mean when you say a strong lead? If you mean consistent leads, then you have to work on lateral work...The way to train leads is to ask for a leg yield, then ask for the lead. For example, ask with your left leg to leg yield to the right two steps, when you feel the weight shift to the right side, ask for the left lead.

After you work on the lateral work, leg yields, the leads will be rock solid.

you cant teach a horse leads

you can only teach yourself leads

dont lean when you ask

sit straight

dont look for it

make sure you set him up by shifting your hands

when you do changes

make sure you dont look for it

if you need to teach him

into the corner of the arena

stop

move his haunches out

then walk

Try it at a trot

and then do some simple changes at the canter