Cantering nerves

[Latestarter1]

I started weekly riding lessons in February this year at the grand old age of 54. I was pony mad as a child but we never had the money to pursue my dream of riding and then came a family so no time or money. Now I am finally fulfilling my dream, HOWEVER - it is so much harder than I expected!

I am fine with trot but cantering scares me to the point that it is really starting to stress me out and spoil the whole experience for me. I am never going to own my own horse and I know that I can sit the canter if I have to but I really don't like it so I have decided for the time being at least to just stick to walk and trot. I love trotting and am just happy being in the saddle but I must admit that I do feel a bit of a failure. Does anyone else feel like me or am I just a complete wuss?!

I am 52 started learning to ride at 50 and find Canter very worrying. I bought a horse I share with my granddaughter last year it's been an experience! She's a lovely mare though:) It's the Canter transition with me. I have had a couple of nasty falls but I was anxious about canter before then. I also don't find it comfortable. This weekend I'm supposed to do a short canter in a straight line on a hack. I'm riding a forward going pony. My hands usually end up all over the place and I don't give enough rein. I want to be able to canter because then not doing so becomes a choice not because I can't . Also , if my horse spooked into a canter whilst out I wouldn't be up the creek!

i have just found this bit of MN! i'd say go for it vicar! i just got my first horse this year, i had not ridden for YEARS! she is a fab horse, i couldnt ask for better. I am really nervous, but i have taken my time and got to know her. Worked at my own pace. I attempted my first canter a few weeks ago. It was scary but a success!