Ex polo pony trot to canter issues

[[59668]]

My new mare is coming on really well in walk and trot, and is hacking wonderfully alone and in company
I'm struggling with trot to canter though....I get a lot of plunging and head tossing and she won't always go forward. Almost like she is anxious.
I'm being careful to stay out of the saddle and really put my hands forward so she can move, and some days are better than others but does anyone have any tips?
She has had a rough 18 months in her previous home and was quite sore when I got her. Regular physio and a visit from the dentist have improved her but I wonder if she is anticipating being socked in the mouth/pain or if this is a typical polo reschooling issue?

 

[Casey76]

What’s she like if you ask walk to canter?

 

[[59668]]

What’s she like if you ask walk to canter?

I haven't tried actually.....I guess most polo ponies walk to canter?

 

[teapot]

I haven't tried actually.....I guess most polo ponies walk to canter?

Pretty much, or halt to canter

 

[Casey76]

Yes. Very little trotting in polo, unless they’re just being exercised.

she will,probably feel much more comfortable with a walk-canter transition.

 

[Winters100]

Sounds strange but have you tried to make the transition out hacking as a first step, rather than in an arena or on a field? Mine don't generally trot under saddle, not that I have tried to make them, but in the forest will happily trot and transition to canter, I suppose because they recognise that it is not 'normal' work. Maybe worth trying?