Horse won't take the right lead

[vickiba]

My daughter has an Arabian who won't take the right lead in the show ring. If he is going clockwise he is fine but counterclockwise he just won't pick up the right lead. He is 23 and is in good health and has so far won her many blue ribbons. Back in March we found he had some arthritis starting in his left back leg/hip area. The vet game him a steriod injection and we put him on a joint supplement. Does anyone know how and if we can get him to pick up the right lead? She has tried everything and he just won't do it. Please help.

[stormyBarrelRacer]

what kinda of supplement is he on I would recommed Ceydl-M (I know I spelled dat wrong) i BARREL RACE SO i KNOW ABOUT the lead thing ALOT of our horses had to have hock injections cuz they have no fluid left in them and since ur horse is older it might work?? but the hock injections are VERY expensive!! so look at urr other opitions 1st hope he turns out ok BYE BYE 4 NOW

[stormyBarrelRacer]

u could also try stretching the leg that he has the lead trouble befroe u work at all in da arena

[Elana55]

Was the horse previously taking his leads easily and this is a new development (I cannot imagine a one sided horse wining ribbons if he never took his right lead). Does the horse take his right lead when he is on the lunge line or in the pasture running free?

If he took both leads easily in the past and this is a new development it is like the result of pain. Hocks can be the issue in addition to the issues you are already treating.

If the horse takes both leads freely without his rider there may be a horse/rider intgerface issue.

If the horse NEVER too his right lead, then you have a horse that is one sides and when you do get him to take his right lead he will ride rough. He will need a lot of work to the right to get his muscles balanced so he will take the lead. He will also need to be taught to work in a balanced manner with his weight shifted to his hind legs (Weight off the forehand). when he balances then he wil much more easily take either lead when asked.

[vickiba]

I want to thank everyone for their input. We found out that he had a torn suspensory ligament in one of his front legs. We must of caught it in time because after 2 months rest he is now taking the correct lead again and doing much much better. Yes, he did take the right lead and then all of a sudden stopped doing it. Thank you all again!