How can you determine if you are on the correct lead while riding a horse?

Determining if you are on the correct lead while riding a horse primarily involves observing the inside front leg of the horse. When a horse is on the correct lead, the inside front leg (the leg closest to the center of a circle when turning) will be positioned forward during the canter or lope. This leg should be the first to reach forward, allowing the horse to maintain balance and rhythm in the gait. Such observation helps ensure that the horse is functioning efficiently and can perform various maneuvers effectively.

Other methods, like observing the horse's tail movements or saddle position, may not provide reliable information regarding the lead. Additionally, assessing the exterior color of the horse is unrelated to the gait and lead correctness. Thus, focusing on the inside front leg is the most effective way to verify that the horse is on the proper lead.