Help getting canter please

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mar2505

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Help, I am petrified of cantering, I have a fear of bolting or spooking at speed and it is really holding me back. Others canter my horse no problem and tell me how comfy he is, one even canters him bareback but when I ask it isnt with enough conviction so he just trots faster. I really need advice on how to overcome this fear.
 
Are you having lessons on your boy?
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I would have a lesson with an understanding instructor and get your confidence in the school - a lunge lesson may really help as well. It can be scary to start with but you RI will be in charge of speed etc and all you have to do is sit there and worry about yourself.

Good luck
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I would suggest you try having a lunge lesson with an experienced instructor, on your horse if if he is good to lunge or on another horse (such as at a riding school.) This way the Instructor can get your horse to canter and have control over the horse whilst you get used to your horse's rhythm and find your balance. After a few lessons, your confidence should grow and you will be able to come off the lunge and start short canters up the long sides of the arena on your own and then progress from there.

Are you scared of cantering in general or just on your horse?

Hope this helps.
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Its just myhorse,have regualr lessons and instructor is struggling for ideas now. think cause he does not go into canter straight away it worries me. Went to a riding school and got on fine, it seems to be a mental block.
 
You could suggest to your Instructor about trying a lunge lesson, and is your horse young/green? Could your instructor school your horse for you sometimes maybe?
 
Maybe do rising trot all the time until she canters (and do rising canter for a bit, slow horsey down and then sit down???

I can understand why you get scared of cantering if you sit, ready to canter and he just trots faster, i.e. difficult to sit.

I know plenty of horses that are bl**dy difficult to sit in trot but are a dream in canter, so the canter is actually much better...
 
Don't rush yourself. It's not compulsory to canter at first. I didn't canter my mare for the first 6 months I had her, as I was getting my nerve back. I had lessons in canter on other horses, but just hacked my mare out in walk and trot. One day you'll have built up enough trust & you'll find youself really keen to canter.

Also - see if you can ask someone to teach your horse walk to canter transitions. It is so much more comfortable and feels far more balanced than a rushed trot to canter transition.
 
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