New horse help!

[Wan2bEventer]

OK, having a few issues with riding my new mare. Can't get any lessons this week because my trainer is heading to the Nationals so I don't want to bother her!

Grace's trot is lovely, if a little fast. I have tried to slow my rising, but obviously I am not that good at it! Additionally, my half halts don't seem to have much of an effect on balancing her up. Anybody got any tips to help me focus on maintaining a steady trot rythym myself, and not letting her dictate?

Also... probably all interlinked but I am inexperienced as have never had a horse which is this keen on the flat... my downward transitions seem to happen about 20 meters on from when I want them to happen! Keep talking myself through what to do with my body etc, but has anybody got any tips to help this work better?

She is just keen and speedy, part of which is probably because she is still settling in, but I need to feel better in command!

Any tips gratefully received, thanks all so much!

xx

 

[Bossanova]

Sitting trot- circles with walk transitions on every count of 4, then count to 4 and back to trot again. This will help you to get her on your seat and should allow you to use more subtle aids.
Also spiral circles with lots of inside leg to outside rein and shoulder-fore on the long sides so that she cant bowl on ignoring you.

 

[CracklinRosie]

I know you say you're inexperienced but if you can try not to think about our aids and what you actually want the horse to do before she does it you might find that helps.

Horse are exceptionally sensitive creatures and she'll pick this up from you.

If she continues not to listen to you and you have tried the advice of Bossanova and I, then try trot, walk, halt transitions. Every time she goes o quick bring her back and start again, she'll get your gist eventually.

Don't lose heart, my mare sometimes ignores me and she's 19 now!

 

[Wan2bEventer]

Brilliant tips guys thanks so much, will try both of these techniques tomorrow! x