Trotting in hand....help please!!??

[el_Snowflakes]

So had my 16 year old mare out to our first show (my first, not hers!) at the weekend and she did great- got placed in both classes so i was really pleased ........however, in one of our classes we had to trot our horses in hand and she was a disaster- totally flat and mooched along at a slow walk!! so any tips on how to practice trotting her up gracefully would be greatfully recieved! ....................

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

I practise at home with the help of a long schooling whip, then when we're out competing I don't need the whip because he's used to me asking him to trot up and at the speed I want.