Help!!!

[HorseCrazyGurl!]

Hi

I'm pretty young but I've had lessons for 5 yrs. I just got a 9 yr old Arabian mare for Christmas but I'm scared to canter her 'cause her trot is so fast and her trainer told me her leads were a little rough! I know there's nothing to worry about 'cause I have a trainer for her and she a little angel but I just need some engouragment!!!! Any help would be great!!!:)

[Sharon H]

Would it be possible for your instructor to give you some lessons in canter on the lunge? Perhaps when you have had a few sessions in a 'safe' enviromentl ike that, you won't be so worried about cantering her on your own.

[Wally]

Work on her trot, slow it down, get a nice steady rythm in your head and get her to stick to it. If she rushes slow her down to walk and start again. Stay in trot until you are happy and confident. Then try short bursts of canter. If her trot is better the canter will improve too.

One thing I've learned from riding Icelandics is that if you want to improve a gait, work on a different one! You'd be amazed at how much better a horse can trot if you work on walk, and canter can get better when you perfect a good trot.

Don't get a thing about canter, change the subject in your mind and do something you can both feel good about for a while.;)

[HorseCrazyGurl!]

THANX SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!! Everyone here is sooo nice and offers so much support and advice!!!! I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!! Thanks soo much!!! I think I will try slowing down her trot a bit plus maybe if I see her trainer work her at a canter I'll fell confident that she acually can canter and I won't be so worried! :)
THANX AGAIN!!!!! :)