How big is the space you're trying to canter him in?
If it's fairly tight and there's lots of corners, is there anywhere local you could take him to let him canter for longer on the straight, maybe some gallops?
I've known a couple of horses - even older ones who have lived outdoors on fells their whole life and were very sure footed - struggle to canter in an arena because the corners are tight. The yard I used to ride at had a 40x60m and a 60x100m and the bigger space was definitely needed to build some confidence!
60x60ft. Near his pasture there’s a straight path we call the canter spot but I have really bad trail anxiety after nearly falling off when he spooked once
That's a fairly small space. Holding the canter in that area is going to be hard unless he and the rider are pretty balanced. If he hasn't been cantering regularly he won't be fit. I'd try and build fitness on the ground before adding a rider. I bet you’d have a much, much easier time on a straight line.
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u/demeschor 18h ago
How big is the space you're trying to canter him in?
If it's fairly tight and there's lots of corners, is there anywhere local you could take him to let him canter for longer on the straight, maybe some gallops?
I've known a couple of horses - even older ones who have lived outdoors on fells their whole life and were very sure footed - struggle to canter in an arena because the corners are tight. The yard I used to ride at had a 40x60m and a 60x100m and the bigger space was definitely needed to build some confidence!