Paired with lazy lesson horse for b-rated first show. Advice please!
I’m riding in my first show this weekend (B-rated) and I’m honestly super nervous because at my barn, I didn’t have any choice in which horse I got for the show, I didn’t realize that when I signed up. I’m only doing walk/trot poles, but they’re putting me on a horse with a reputation for being very lazy.
I’ve only ridden him twice, and both times I struggled a lot just to get him to pick up and maintain a trot. Normally, I am cantering small cross rails in my lessons, so I’m showing below my level, but this has honestly really shaken my confidence as a rider because I just can’t seem to get him forward. He does listen once I tap him with the crop, but still breaks after a few strides. My trainer also said she’d prefer that I not use it in the show.
Now I’m worried because I just really haven’t clicked with this horse and I think I’m going to embarrass myself and not even be able to get him trotting during the class. Does anyone have tips for getting more energy out of a horse like this and keeping him moving forward consistently? Thanks!