I read your answer to the...

Question
I read your answer to the question of "Lead Changes" dated 11/25/2005.  Where a horse starts off on the right lead and changes to the left on the turn and back to the right down the stretch.  I have watch in slow motion a lot race horses stride from being of the race to the end.  It seems that a lot of horses start on the right lead and stay on the right lead all the way thru the race.  By right lead I mean the horses right front leg hits the ground first after all four feet are suspended (off the ground and in the air at one time).  

Can a horse be on his left lead around the turn when the right foot extends and hits first (as explained above)?  Is the "lead" leg the front or rear leg that hits first after suspension?  

Answer
hi  well if a horse is on his or hers wrong lead then u=you must expect that the horse is sore somewhere. they always stat off the race on their tight lead. if a horse is on his or hers left lead going into the turn, then the horse will most likely go wide till he or she changes the lead. you will see a lot of horses  turn for the home stretch and go wide. they have to go wide if on the wrong lead. it is always the front leg  not the hind leg on the leads. if the horse is not changing their leads , then i look for a problem and usually find one.  i hope this helps you  thanks E,D HESS