hey everyone, my name is Vicky and I'm 23 years old.  Since we are on this topic of controlling emotions while riding..I have the same issues as the one who posted this topic..but I need advice on how to control my emotions and nervousness at the canter...I get really nervous and I choke at the canter and I used to love to canter all the time with my first horse who I had to put down a few days before xmas.. now that I've got my new horse whom I've had for over a year now I get really nervous at the canter and I've had a instructor get fed up with me which really didn't help me much..

 I am now learning dressage with my new horse..We are working on his walk and trot and he is doing amazing.  One of his problems is that he's heavy on the forehand not so much at the trot anymore but more at the canter..I want to work with him at the canter but I freeze up when I ask him to canter and I can never pull through with the canter even though I want to.  

 Ahhh I need help! 

I don't think there are any ways to 'controll' your emotions. They are responses to the situation you find yourself in at the time.That's probably why this is only a problem when you are alone. In your lesson you can rely on your instructor to diagnose the problem and tell you what to do about it. I would say that before you figure out what you need to do, first take a moment to 'apologize' to your horse. Your horse doesn't like this either. Then tell yourself before you get to the barn that you will ONLY work on basic stuff for that day. Things you know you can handle. Any time he gives you ANY response close to what you want stop and praise him. I see a lot of people 'arguing' with their horses and I always think it is communication issue. If a horse understands and repects his rider chances are he will try to give the rider what they are asking for.

One of the best things about dressage is that the process takes you and your horse slowly through the gaits and you gain confidence and are ready for the nest step.  I was having huge problems with my horse and myself in the canter.  After starting at Intro and getting back to basics with a lot of walking before trotting and then a lot of trotting our canter is doing great and I am at training level and doing well..also won a HUS class and a HUS eq class yesterday...

I become a stress monster at the canter transition as well.  I have ridden a couple of horses that have caused me major frustration with correct leads, bucking, etc when I ask for the canter.  As such, I delay my transition and wiggle my position all around because I'm so nervous to ask.  I am taking a "yoga for the dressage rider class" taught by a certified yoga intructor/dressage trainer.  Sounds nuts, but I find him saying a lot of the same things my trainer says when I ride.  Being aware of your body, getting everything relaxed, staying "emotionless" and calm.  I will let you know how it goes-lol- I've only been to one class, but maybe yoga can help!