rushed trotting

[Elaine]

A horse I'm looking at has been ridden by a dressage rider. I've only learned huntseat. I watched someone ride him, and he looked wonderful. He wasn't rushing or flattening in the trot. Anyways when I got him he didn't understand the leg aids I was giving him, so we rushed around the indoor for a few minutes. I stopped and asked his owner, "I know this is me causing this, do you see something I could do to make him slow down?" She said it wasn't that I was a bad rider, but more he wasn't used to the way I was riding him. Now I really LOVE this horse, but I need to change something. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can't get that dressage leg she was talking about, what might help me? thanks so much!
:)

[Sharon H]

Is there any possibility of you being able to have some lessons on this horse before or after you buy him? I would have thought that would be the best solution. It would be very disappointing if you bought him and then found that you couldn't get on with him because you didn't understand him. It would also be upsetting for the horse.

[ros]

Hi Elaine

It's perfectly normal for any horse to be a bit apprehensive when ridden for the first time by someone new, particularly if their style of riding differs from what they're used to. Having said that, if this horse is very well schooled you may find him difficult for the simple reason that well-schooled horses tend to be very sensitive and responsive, and will respond to any signal you give, whether you meant to or not!

What exactly is it that you love about this horse? If it's just the fact that he LOOKS gorgeous when someone else rides him, I'd think twice; if he's a really sensible, kind horse, then consider him by all means, but be prepared to find some really good instruction, and don't expect miracles immediately. (Of course you wouldn't.)

If you're brutally honest with yourself, and think about things carefully first with the horse's best interests in mind, I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

[floppy]

maybe you, like already said, you should have a few lessons...dont just have one...have a couple! get a little use to the horse...and maybe jhave a lesson with the person that usually rides the horse or with the trainer from that person.

[Elaine]

Thank you all for your replies! I took the advise and I'm having a lesson on him. The reason I love him is because the guy has awesome ground manners, and he is very friendly. When I was riding him, I achieved a bit of his "good" trot. I just gotta work from that!:)