Simply put, "Leading" refers to the foot-fall pattern of an equine at the canter or gallop. The gait has one leg farthest forward at one point in the stride, and the "leading" leg is what determines which "lead" the animal is on.

Left Lead - here, the left foot is the farthest forward, so that if the donkey were to make a left turn, he would not have to reach across his left leg for the farthest stride.

Right Lead - the right foot is farthest forward, taking the weight and length of stride towards the right. The leading leg should be to the inside of the ring (the donkey having the rail on his left). To have the OUTSIDE leg farthest forward (not in keeping with the curve of the ring) is sometimes called the "Counter Canter" and is generally considered an advanced command.

Cross-leading - (one lead in front, the opposite in back) is also called "Disunited." It frequently causes the animal to wring its tail, and can cause it to stumble if making sharp turns, as the legs cross over and interfere with one other.

(This Page last updated: September 21, 2004)