Switched to Western..and some problems.

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Today was my third lesson. I asked my teacher to teach me Western, and I loved it!! Probably because I felt more secure, and the horse I was riding listened to my aids more, but I still found it much easier. The problem was, was that the horse I was riding kept getting out of the circle in the arena. And when I tried to pull him back in he would stop. How do I keep him in the circle. And also, he wouldn't trot for more than 10 seconds, and then he would stop. Please help!

[Outrider]

This can happen whether you ride English or Western. You guide the horse with the reins and your knees, putting pressure on the appropriate side depending on how the horse was trained. Most are trained to turn with opposite pressure, ie, left leg turns right, but some are trained just the opposite. Check with your instructor to see how this horse was trained.

Are you riding one handed or two? Does the horse neck rein? Keep him in the circle by laying the rein against the appropriate side of the neck in conjunction with leg pressure. If he is stopping, chances are you are pulling back on the reins. Try riding with a looser rein and if he stops or goes slower than you want, cluck him, tell him to trot in a firm voice and apply two leg pressure until he gets back to the gait that you want. Happy Trais!

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Sorry it took me so long to reply. I ride with one hand. I keep my other hand on the horn, because I'm still a little nervous.
Thanks for the tips! It all helps out. I would just like to ask you one more question. Does it usually take riders a long time to actually feel comfortable on the trot? I only take lessons every other week because its kind of expensive, so I suppose that doesn't help either.
Thanks again! :)

[Outrider]

How long it takes to get comfortable in the trot is different for every rider. What helps, is to use a horse that has several speeds of trot or has one good slow trot. Think posting as in english and you should ride it more comfortably. Now most western trainers don't teach posting and you really only need it for a hard trotting horse. You should be able to move you body in a forward motion as the horse trots, keeping in time and thus being more comfortable. Easy to say, but hard to visualize, I know. I would have to show you on the ground. Hope it helps. Happy Trails!