>>>> I know I'm not the best rider but the lesson horses I ride don't seem to have any problem balancing a comfortable canter with me so I'm not totally blaming myself when it comes to Gat's pace/fast canter.
That's probably a good barometer that it's not really you then. >>> Is there any exercises I can do with her to help? Honestly, it sounds like you and Alex are doing a lot - trotting, small jumps are good. She's such a jewel overall - heck, she HAS to have some flaw, you know?! :) On the trail, you may find that she gets better as she relaxes and gets used to going out. Tension (even happy-excited-tension) rarely helps. I typically don't canter a horse on the trail until all the horses in the group are reasonably relaxed - even if I think my horse will be fine. And when you do canter her out on the trail, it's good to ask where she can easily do it the way you like so you can praise her and stop while it's good. Since you said she did better going up a small hill, maybe that's your spot? Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] (704) 516-3179
