Help!?

[horsesandponies230]

I have been riding for quite a long time and my instructor has me ride different horses a lot. Recently I have started riding my instructor's horse (which I have never seen ridden by anyone except her before!) And I'm getting used to him but he's very strong and I sometimes feel like I'm not in control of him. I had this problem years ago with a different horse who I now ride all the time and I love her to pieces!
A few weeks ago he suddenly started cantering really fast and it took ages for me to get him to slow down and go back to trot. I was told to keep him going in a circle until he stops but it can be quite scary thinking he might run off with me!
Can anyone give me any tips on how I can get him to stop or slow down when he ignores the normal aids to stop? Thanks and sorry for the long paragraph!

 

[Booboos]

It can be very scary you start feeling you are losing control of the horse, so I know this sounds silly but try to remain calm and think positive. Circles are very good, in a straight line a horse can set his neck against you, on a circle you can bend him to the inside. Think about your position, legs relaxed, back straight, look up...and half-halt as if you believe it will work. Don't forget to put your leg on for the half halt. What you want to say to the horse is "Great, I love your energy but now listen to me and put it to good use".

Your instructor should also be talking you through what to do as the horse is cantering.

 

[horsesandponies230]

Thank you so much for the advice!! It definitely helped as I managed to keep him in the trot next time although I still need to remember to relax my legs! I was worried nobody would reply so thanks!

 

[ChwaraeTeg]