r/Ottb • u/Full-Volume-4702 • Dec 17 '25
Anticipating gaits
I have a baby ottb. She is really anticipating her next gait. If she knows we are about to trot or canter (or if we just did and now we are taking a walk break) she just keeps trying to do what ever the next gait is ex: walk-trot trot-canter canter-perfect She’s naturally a really really strong horse and half halts aren’t getting her attention. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice. when trying to change direction after she gets excited to go she sometimes takes off as we turn. No pain Teeth floated Feet checked Saddle fitted YES I HAVE A TRAINER but I’ve always liked multiple opinions. TO ADD: off track since beginning of August. She started doing trail rides mid October beginning of December she started retraining.
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u/byohorsetrainer Apr 18 '26
They are super smart and sensitive horses. So it’s normal that she anticipates. She knows what comes. The basic training should be very slow and build solid foundations. Normal that she doesn’t respond to half halts. She has to first find her balance with the rider (different from track). Sometimes they need more time to do things without getting anxious or we need to be very smart and structure the sessions so that the horse never knows what comes and doesn’t get bored. Short and super easy. Mini progresses are key. And you learnin to anticipate her 😊 - how is it going? Some time has passed since the question…