Hi everyone, I've been having riding lessons for 2 years and mostly riding the most beautiful 24 year old pony. I'd reached the point where I felt I was a confident and fairly competant rider. I was frustrated with the riding school hacks - always just a walk/plod and never any cantering so I started looking for a part loan. I now have a gorgeous gelding in a fantastically friendly yard with amazing riding straight out onto the moor. However, I'm finding it all very stressful and am wondering if I've done the right thing, whether I'm actually ready? My loan horse is so very different to anything I've ridden before, he is very wilful, hard to get going but once you do, almost impossible to stop! I feel like I can't ride at all when I'm on him, his trot is ridiculously fast & bouncy, I'm all over the place, out of rhythm, losing stirrups, it's embarressing. I haven't dared attempt a canter yet. Please tell me this is the norm for moving from riding school to non riding school. I miss my favourite riding school pony!!! When I rode him it was like we were one being, so attuned and I trusted him explicitly. I know it will take time to get to know the new horse and that I need to be more assertive with him. Does anyone have any tips please?