Lazy horse

[Gypzywingz]

Yesterday I rode my boyfriends parents horses again. I rode Dust for the fist time, she is an arabian and has only been riden 3 times all summer, of course she was fidgety and just wanted to go back to the other horses, I had to fight with her the whole time to try to get her to not turn back to the paddock. My boyfriend and his Mom rode her too and had the same problems.

I got on Sonny and he is a great horse! He is a 4 yo Paint. But he is so slow, I got him to actually trot a few times but he would quite after a few strides. He also just wanted to go back to the other horses but he listened when I turned him around and he didn't fight me as hard as Dust. He is actually up for sale now and I would love to buy him from them. They are attached to him and hate to see him go and I thought it would be a perfect way to keep him in the family.

My question is how do I actually keep him going in a trot? And will he always be just a slower, lazier horse or with work with a trainer and me do you think he could actually pick up a little bit? He is so well behaved and would be a great horse for me.

[Laetitia]

He is only a baby at 4yrs so lots to learn. Perhaps he doesn't understand what you are asking so keeps a low profile.
He sounds a sweet horse and you'll probably find with increasing his knowledge and as he builds muscle and balance as he matures, he will be able to go at a better pace. No, I don't think he is lazy just not able to do what you ask yet - like maintaining the trot pace. My cob didn't finish growing until she was well into her 8-9th year, and I've been doing serious schooling with her for the last year and its amazimg how able and supple she has become. Don't rush him, let him grow up . Also it takes 2 years to get a horse fully fit, that's with consistent work and rest periods. hope this is helpful. L

[Gypzywingz]

Thanks, and he hasn't been riden much that I know of since they have had him. I can pretty much ride him when ever I want but they are about an hour away almost so I don't get to ride during the week but we will be moving out there within a few months, getting some land of our own so I will be closer to work with him and work on my riding as well. He is such a great guy and I would love to see him worked with because he has such potential. I just hope they don't sell him before I can buy him :D